Liverpool issue statement on Diogo Jota's death as forward dies aged 28 alongside brother in car crash

Liverpool have released an official statement confirming that Diogo Jota and his brother have died in a devastating car crash.

Tragic news in the early hours of Thursday morning reported that Liverpool forward Jota and his brother were involved in a fatal car crash in Spain.

The Portugal international was involved in the accident that at 1:30 a.m on Thursday morning in the northwestern province of Zamora.

Just five days before the crash, the 28-year-old married long-term girlfriend Rute Cardoso, the mother of his three children, in a ceremony in Porto.

Since the news, several former players have spoken out, and now Liverpool have released a statement confirming the news.

The official club statement read: "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.

"We will continue to provide them with our full support.

Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 and made 182 appearances for the club, scoring 65 goals and winning the Premier League title, the FA Cup and League cup.

He went on to become a fan-favourite player earning himself a beloved song that has been heard within Anfield for years.

The forward's former club, FC Porto, also paid their respects in a statement, writing: "FC Porto is in mourning.

"It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks. Rest in peace."

Manchester United pay tribute to Diogo Jota

Shortly after Liverpool's statement, Premier League rivals Manchester United spoke out to offer their condolences to Jota's family and everyone connected to Liverpool.

It reads: "Our deepest condolences are with the loved ones of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, and everyone connected with Liverpool FC following today’s heartbreaking news."

Local rivals Everton changed their social media profile image to black and white and echoed United's comments, offering their thoughts to the family of the Liverpool star.

Their statement stated: "Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this sad time."