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Irish Daily Mirror

Diogo Jota's final phone call before tragic death as details emerge

The football world is reeling from the devastating news of Diogo Jota's untimely passing. The 28 year old Liverpool and Portugal star tragically lost his life in a horrific car accident in Spain. Jota, who had recently tied the knot with his long-time love Rute Cardoso, was involved in a fatal crash when the Lamborghini he was in with his brother Andre Silva, aged 25, suffered a tyre blowout and burst into flames after hitting the roadside in Zamora province. The brothers were en route to Santander port to board a ferry to England, following medical advice against flying due to Jota's recent lung surgery. The loss has sent shockwaves through the sporting community, with an outpouring of grief and tributes for the gifted footballer and father of three. In a poignant revelation, it has emerged that Jota had a phone conversation with Gondomar SC president Alvaro Cerqueira just hours before the tragedy. Jota's football journey began at Gondomar when he was only nine years old. Cerqueira, speaking to Jornal de Noticas, recalled the last call with Jota, noting that he was experiencing joyous times. "It was just after 10pm last night [Thursday], we were on the phone and he was fine," Cerqueira shared with JN, reports the Manchester Evening News. "We spoke almost every week, and I know he was going through a happy moment. When Diogo needed to train during the off-season, he would ask to come here, and we would always make everything available." His brother would typically accompany him, and they would both train together. At this difficult time, it's hard to put into words, but what will endure is the memory of two incredibly humble individuals who have left a tremendous void. Gondomar, situated near the Portuguese city of Porto, held a special significance for the Premier League winner, as it was where he tied the knot with the love of his life on June 22. The funeral for him and his brother is scheduled for 10 am on Saturday morning. A wake will take place at Sao Cosme Chapel, followed by a funeral service at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar. Jurgen Klopp, who brought him to Liverpool in 2020, and his international teammate Cristiano Ronaldo were among those paying tributes. On X, Ronaldo expressed his grief: "It doesn't make sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you had got 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'll always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and André. We'll all miss you."