Portuguese Football Federation issues statement after Diogo Jota dies aged 28
Jota died alongside his brother Andre Silva, who was also a professional soccer player for Portuguese club FC Penafiel, in a car crash in Spain in the early hours of Thursday morning. The forward died less than two weeks after marrying his long-term partner.
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The statement from the Portuguese FA said: "The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva, this morning in Spain.
READ MORE: Diogo Jota tributes LIVE: Liverpool forward dies in car accident, Portuguese media reports
READ MORE: Diogo Jota's brother Andre Silva was also killed in tragic car crash in Spain
"Much more than just a fantastic player, who played almost 50 times for the National A Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.
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"On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where the players played respectively.
"The Portuguese Football Federation has already asked UEFA for a minute's silence this Thursday, before our team's match against Spain in the Women's European Championship.
"We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and André Silva represents an irreparable loss for Portuguese football and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day."
Jota was just 28 years old -Credit:Getty Images
A Spanish police statement issued on Thursday morning confirming Jota's passing. It said: "The information we have so far is that the car, which was a Lamborghini, was in a road traffic accident and left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking."
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"It was in the early hours, 00:30 BST, in the municipality of Cernadilla in the province of Zamora. The car caught on fire, and the two occupants were killed."
Liverpool has released a statement on Jota's passing. "Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota," the club said.
"The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.
"Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre's family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support."
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The Premier League, meanwhile, said: "Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre.
"Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo's family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time. Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed. We will continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club."
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