Roberto Firmino remembers Diogo Jota in emotional Instagram post
Jota died in a car crash in the early hours of Thursday morning as he made his way to Santander, ahead of catching a ferry to England. Jota was due to report for the first day of Liverpool's pre-season training on Monday (July 7). A tire blowout on the Lamborghini that Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, were traveling in, caused a crash that ultimately claimed both of their lives.
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The soccer world united in grief, as tributes to the Portugal international flooded in, and former Reds striker Roberto Firmino was among those to remember the 28-year-old.
READ MORE: Diogo Jota tributes LIVE: Liverpool forward dies in tragic car accident alongside brother Andre
READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo's heartbreaking tribute to Portuguese teammate Diogo Jota after tragic death
"When words fail, there are only inexpressible groans," Firmino said. "And for that reason I get on my knees, praying that the Holy Spirit comforts the heart of Rute, Dinis, Duarte, Mafalda, Seu Joaquim, Lady Isabel and all the family and friends. It was a privilege and an honor to have known and lived such special moments alongside you. Rest in Peace to my brother Jota, and Andre."
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Jota and Firmino were teammates at Liverpool for three seasons between 2020 and 2023, winning the FA Cup and the League Cup during their time in the squad together.
Jota was only driving back to England because he had been advised against flying after recently undergoing surgery, according to reports in Portugal.
CNN Portugal's sports editor Rui Loura said live on air: 'The surgery he (Jota) had had was lung surgery and he had been advised against flying following this.
"He was on his way to the northern Spanish port city of Santander to cross the ferry and reach the UK that way and carry on with the car once he reached Britain. He was on his way to Liverpool with his brother.'
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The accident occurred in the province of Zamora, in western Spain, which is situated between Portugal and Santander, where Jota was traveling to board a boat to Portsmouth, from where he would have made the five-hour drive north back to Merseyside.
Jota's new wife, Rute Cardoso, identified the brothers for the authorities. She revealed to the police that the pair's plan was to stop over in Benavente before continuing their journey to Santander.
Jota recently won the Nations League with Portugal -Credit:Getty Images
Cardoso, mother to Jota's three children, has been provided with psychological support, and the personal items salvaged from the Lamborghini blaze have been handed over to her.
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It was a relative who raised the alarm when the brothers failed to arrive in Benavente, and subsequent checks on the documentation of the deceased confirmed they were Portuguese nationals.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp expressed his sadness on social media. "This is a moment where I struggle!" he wrote. "There must be a bigger purpose! But I can't see it! I'm heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre.
"Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father! We will miss you so much! All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace - Love, J."
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