Jurgen Klopp posts heartfelt tribute to Diogo Jota following Liverpool forward's tragic death as he sends message to wife Rute Cardoso

Jurgen Klopp says he is "heartbroken" by the sudden passing of Diogo Jota after the former Liverpool and Wolves forward was tragically killed in a car accident.

The 28-year-old and his younger brother Andre, who played for Portuguese second-tier club Penafiel, were involved in a fatal car crash 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 on the A-52 at Cernadilla – just ten miles over the border from Portugal.

Reports in Portugal claim the siblings were travelling to Santander to catch a ferry to England after Diogo was advised not to fly following lung surgery.

CNN Portugal's sports editor Rui Loura gave an insight into Jota's journey while on air. "The surgery he had was lung surgery and he had been advised against flying following this," he said, as per the Daily Mail.

Klopp and Jota during their time together at Liverpool. Image credit: Getty

Loura added: "He was on his way to the northern Spanish port city of Santander to cross by ferry and reach the UK that way and carry on with the car once he reached Britain. He was on his way to Liverpool with his brother."

The devastating news comes just 11 days after Jota married his long-term girlfriend Rute Cardoso in Porto.

Taking to social media on Thursday, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp paid an emotional tribute to Diogo and his brother Andre as he sent his thoughts and prayers to Cardoso and the wider family.

"This is a moment where I struggle!" he wrote on Instagram. "There must be a bigger purpose! But I can’t see it! I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother André. Diogo was a not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father!"

Klopp added: "We will miss you so much! All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace - Love J."

Jota was described by Klopp as the “perfect signing” for the club. Image credit: Getty

Liverpool release statement after tragic death of Diogo Jota

A number of players have paid tribute to Jota, including Darwin Nunez and Stefan Bajcetic, while Liverpool released a statement in response to the tragic news.

It 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's former club, FC Porto, also paid their respects.

"FC Porto is in mourning," a statement read. "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."

Jota joined Liverpool from fellow Premier League side Wolves in 2020, and scored 65 goals for the club in all competitions. The 28-year-old also won a Premier League title with the Reds earlier this year, following on from FA Cup and EFL Cup successes in 2022.