Liverpool mourn loss of Diogo Jota as striker's family offered 'full support' following tragic car crash
Liverpool are mourning the tragic loss of Diogo Jota after the striker died in a car accident in Spain.
The Portugal forward, 28, and his brother passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning due to a tyre blow-out while overtaking another vehicle.
It's believed that the Lamborghini then skidded off the road and burst into flames on the A-52 highway in northwestern Spain.
Emergency services confirmed the two deaths at the scene.
Jota was a father to three young children and had just married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, less than two weeks ago.
Tributes have been flooding in across the world of football, including the Portuguese Football Federation and former club FC Porto..
And Premier League giants Liverpool have now expressed their shock at the devastating loss.
In a touching tribute, the English champions wrote: "Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
"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."
Jota moved to Anfield from Wolves in a £41million move in 2020.
He made almost 200 appearances for the Reds, scoring 65 goals and winning the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup.
Jota scored six goals in the club's most recent title-winning campaign and helped Portugal to Nations League glory last month.
The Portuguese Football Federation have also paid tribute to Jota and his brother.
A statement read: "The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva, this morning, in Spain.
"Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 internationalizations for the National A Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.
"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 Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where, respectively, lined up the players.
"The Portuguese Football Federation has already asked UEFA for a minute's silence, this Thursday, before the match of our national team with Spain, in the women's European Championship.
"Lost to two champs. The disappearance of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything to, daily, honour their legacy."
Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said on X: 'The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured the name of Portugal, and his brother is unexpected and tragic.
"I leave the family my deepest condolences. It's a sad day for football and for national and international sport.'
Former club FC Porto added: "FC Porto is in mourning. It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks. Rest in peace."
A statement from Spanish police read: "A road accident occurred at 12.30am this morning at kilometre 65 of the A-52 motorway, in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora.
"A vehicle left the road and everything indicates a tyre burst while overtaking. As a result of the accident, the car caught fire and both people were killed.
"Pending the completion of forensic tests, one of the deceased has been identified as Diogo Jota, a Liverpool FC player, and his brother, Andre Felipe."
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