Diogo Jota | File Image
. Portuguese Football Federation, prime minister mourn
By Valentine Amanze
Premier League club, Liverpool FC, has confirmed that Diogo Jota, one of its best players died in an auto crash alongside his brother, Andre Silva, who was also a professional footballer with Portuguese club Penafiel.
The Liverpool forward, Jota, aged 28, was confirmed dead in a statement issued by the club on Thursday morning.
The club stated: “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
“The club has 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.”
Also, the Portuguese FA has expressed shock over the passing of Jota and his brother.
It stated: “The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are utterly devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva this morning in Spain.
“Far beyond being an exceptional player, with nearly 50 caps for the National Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference within his own community.
“On behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where the players, respectively, performed.
“The Portuguese Football Federation has already requested UEFA to observe a minute of silence this Thursday before our National Team’s match against Spain in the Women’s European Championship.
“We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and André Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese Football, and we will do everything to honour their legacy daily.”
Also read: Liverpool ‘hurt’ by shock FA Cup exit – Slot
Portugal’s prime minister, Luís Montenegro, wrote on social media: “The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal’s name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic. I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football and for national and international sports.”
Jota won the Premier League title with Liverpool last season and he also featured for Portugal as they beat Spain on penalties in the final of the Nations League in June.
He was married to Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three children, with the wedding taking place just last month.
Jota began his career with Paços de Ferreira in Portugal and spent time on loan with Porto.
He temporarily switched to Wolves in 2017 before signing permanently at Molineux Stadium.
The forward signed for Liverpool in a £45m deal in September 2020.
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