Jamie Carragher issues statement after Liverpool player Diogo Jota dies aged 28 in car crash as tributes pour in
Jamie Carragher and many other high-profile figures in the football world have paid tribute to Diogo Jota following the news of his tragic death.
The 28-year-old Liverpool forward and his brother Andre, who played for Portuguese second-tier club Penafiel, were involved in a fatal car accident that occurred on Thursday morning at 00:30 local time in Zamora, northwestern Spain.
The Guardia Civil in Zamora confirmed that their car, a Lamborghini, left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle and then caught fire.
A report from Marca claim witnesses who called 112 said the car was engulfed in flames, which also spread to nearby vegetation. They also report that several sources suggest that one of the car's tires may have burst, causing it to leave the road and burst into flames.
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The devastating news comes just 11 days after Jota married his long-term girlfriend Rute Cardoso in Porto. They have three children together.
The Portuguese FA also released a statement after the tragic news, confirming that they have requested a minute’s silence ahead of Thursday's group stage match between Portugal and Spain at the Women’s Euros.
It read: "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 my behalf, and 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 honor their legacy daily."
Tributes flood in for Diogo Jota after tragic passing
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher sent his thoughts to Jota's family and friends. He wrote on X: "Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids."
Carragher also appeared on Sky Sports News to pay tribute to Jota.
“I just cannot believe it. For everybody involved but especially his family – his wife and the children they’ve got, it’s devastating for all involved," he said.
“I can only imagine how his team-mates feel at Liverpool and Portugal, they must be in a world of pain with his friends and family.”
He added: “It just shows us all how quickly life can change. What a summer he’s had, and you get this devastating news that his family have had in the last few hours, you can’t even comprehend it.”
A number of figures from the football world also paid tribute to the former Portugal international.
Gary Neville wrote: "That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family," and former United teammate Rio Ferdinand commented: "Absolutely heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to Diogo Jota, Andre Silva, their family & friends."
Ruben Neves, Jota's fellow countryman, also posted a short statement on social media. He wrote: "They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you."
David De Gea added: "Sometimes life is very cruel."
Topics: Diogo Jota, Liverpool, Portugal, Premier League
Jack Kenmare