An emotional Cristiano Ronaldo has paid tribute to Liverpool star and Portugal teammate Diogo Jota after his death at the age of 28.
Jota and his brother Andre Silva, 26, were killed in a car crash in the Spanish province of Zamora.
Liverpool Football Club say they have been left ‘devastated’ by the ‘unimaginable loss’, while the Premier League say ‘football has lost a champion who will be forever missed.’
Jota scored 65 goals in 182 games for Liverpool and helped Arne Slot’s side win the Premier League title last season.
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The forward was a key player for Portugal for the best part of a decade, making most of his 49 caps alongside all-time great Ronaldo.
Just last month Jota featured alongside Ronaldo in Portugal’s Nations League final win over Spain.
Ronaldo says the death of his international teammate ‘does not make sense’ and sent his condolences to Jota’s family.
‘Doesn’t make any sense,’ he posted on social media. ‘Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you were married.
‘To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.’
Jota married his long-term partner Rune Cardoso at the end of last month. They had three children together.
Confirming Jota’s tragic passing on Thursday morning, Liverpool FC said in a statement: ‘We 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.
Premier League statement on death of Diogo Jota
‘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.’
‘We will continue to provide them with our full support.’
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, meanwhile, said: ‘Devastating news about Diogo Jota and his brother Andre this morning.
‘Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute and their three lovely kids.’
Ex-England defender Gary Neville added: ‘That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family.’
Fans have begun to pay tribute to Jota by laying flowers outside Anfield and in areas in the city centre.
The Portuguese star joined Liverpool in the summer of 2020 after two impressive seasons at fellow Premier League club Wolves.
Jota proved to be a shrewd signing as he quickly established himself as a key member of Jurgen Klopp’s squad at Anfield, winning an FA Cup and League Cup double in 2022.
His performances also helped Liverpool reach the Champions League final that year but the Reds were beaten 1-0 by Real Madrid in Paris.
The highlight of Jota’s Liverpool career came just last season when he helped the club win the Premier League title by ten points.
A number of Premier League players have paid tribute to Jota, with former Manchester United captain Harry Maguire saying the news was ‘heartbreaking’.
His United and England teammate Mason Mount added: ‘Absolutely devastating news. Rest in piece Diogo and Andre.’
More to follow…