Declan Rice and Mikel Merino have paid tribute to Liverpool star Diogo Jota in emotional messages on social media.
The Portuguese international died along with his younger brother Andre Silva in a car crash in Zamora, Spain on Thursday morning. Jota got married to his long-term girlfriend Rute Cardoso, with whom he has three children, just under two weeks ago.
“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,” Liverpool said in a statement. “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, team-mates 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.”
News of Jota’s death has sent shockwaves throughout football, with tributes flooding in from across the world. Arsenal released their own statement on Thursday, which read: “The thoughts of everyone at Arsenal are with Diogo’s family, friends and all associated with Liverpool Football Club. Rest in peace, Diogo.”
Arsenal midfielder Rice took to Instagram to send his condolences to Jota’s family. He said: “So so sad. Heartbreaking! RIP to Diogo & his brother Andre. Sending love & condolences to his family.” Merino also paid tribute and wrote on his own Instagram page: “Rest in piece Diogo and Andre. All the strength for the family and friends.”
Fans have left wreaths, scarves, shirts and flowers at a makeshift shrine outside Anfield, while midfielder Stefan Bajcetic, who spent last season on loan at Las Palmas, was the first of Jota’s team-mates to post his own tribute, writing on Instagram Stories: “You will be remembered my friend” on a black and white photograph of the pair training together.
Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool, with nine of those goals coming last season as Arne Slot’s side won the Premier League title, having also lifted the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. He signed for Wolves, initially on loan, from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2017 and helped Wolves win the Championship in his first season, scoring 44 goals in 131 appearances before his move to Anfield.
Wolves posted on X: “We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his team-mates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves. The memories he created will never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother, Andre. You will be truly missed, and always remembered.”
A post from the Premier League read: “Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed. We will continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club.” The Professional Footballers’ Association said: “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with their family, loved ones, and Diogo’s team-mates and friends at Liverpool FC.
“He was a loving father with a young family and a remarkable talent, hugely respected across the game. This is an unimaginable loss, and both will be greatly missed.”
