Liverpool FC said the club is "devastated" by the "unimaginable loss" of tragic star Diogo Jota, who died in a horror car crash in Spain.
Jota, 28, died alongside his brother Andre in the early hours of Thursday morning. In a brief statement, the club said it will continue to support his family.
The statement read: "Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. 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 tied the knot to partner Rute Cardoso just days ago
Jota tied the knot to partner Rute Cardoso just days ago
Jota signed for the Reds from Wolves in 2020 in a £41 million deal and went on to be a key player for the Anfield club, scoring 47 Premier League goals and lifting the league title in May.
Merseyside rivals Everton turned its club badge on its social media pages black and paid tribute to the Portuguese forward. Jota, already beloved by Liverpool fans, cemented his status as a Kop idol by scoring the winning goal in April's derby at Anfield to restore their 12-point lead as they romped to the league title.
The club posted on X: "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."
Jota scored the winning goal in April's 1-0 win over Everton
Jota scored the winning goal in April's 1-0 win over Everton (Image: AP)
Flowers and scarves have been left outside the club's Anfield stadium as fans gathered to pay their respects to the star forward.
A card on one bunch of red flowers referenced his terrace chant and read: "Ooh he wears the number 20! RIP Diogo. YNWA. Forever Red!" Another reads: "RIP Diogo."
Diogo died in a horror crash in Zamora, Spain, at around 12.30am local time on Thursday morning. Spain's Guardia Civil said the car, a Lamborghini, left the road due to a tyre blow out while overtaking another car and then set on fire.
Flowers at Anfield
Flowers at Anfield (Image: PA)
The accident was just two weeks after Diogo Jota's wedding day to long-term partner Rute Cardoso, which took place on June 22 in their hometown of Porto.
Speaking in the House of Commons, the UK's Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy sent her sympathies to Jota's family. She said she received the "heartbreaking news a moment ago before we came in to the chamber that he lost his life at just 28 years of age".
Nandy extended her condolences, speaking on behalf of the Commons, to Jota's friends and Liverpool fans "across the world".
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