Cristiano Ronaldo pays tribute as football world mourns Portugal and Liverpool star Diogo Jota
"My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA (You'll Never Walk Alone) JOTA!!" -- Basketball legend and Liverpool shareholder LeBron James.
"It makes no sense. We were just together with the national team (they won the Nations League title last month), you had just gotten married. To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you." -- Cristiano Ronaldo .
AFP Sports picks out the main reaction to the death of the 28-year-old forward, who helped Liverpool win the Premier League title last season:
Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota died in a car crash in Spain on Thursday along with his brother Andre.
Tragic Loss of Diogo Jota and His Brother: Tributes from World Leaders, Football Clubs, and Fans
"The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal's name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic." -- Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro.
"I'm sure I speak for everyone in saying our first thoughts are going to be with his family and his friends in particular, but there are millions of Liverpool fans, but also football fans, who will also be shocked by this." -- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
"We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything to honor their legacy daily." -- Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), Diogo Jota won 49 senior caps and won the Nations League title twice, most recently last month.
"They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you!" -- Diogo Jota's former Wolves team-mate Ruben Neves..
"We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves. The memories he created will never be forgotten. You will be truly missed, and always remembered." -- Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers where Diogo Jota played from 2017-2020.
"Heartbreaking news. The whole house (of Commons) is heartbroken by this news and I wanted to send our sympathies to his friend and family on behalf of the whole house." -- British Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.
"Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed. We will continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club." -- English Premier League.
"Porto are 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 Andre Silva. Rest in peace." -- Porto statement, Diogo Jota spent a season there on loan (2016/17) and Andre was a youth player.
"Atletico de Madrid are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Diogo Jota, former player of the club, and his brother Andre." -- statement from La Liga side where Diogo Jota played 2016-18.
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