Liverpool striker Diogo Jota was driving to catch a ferry when his tyre blew out resulting in his tragic death after he was advised not to fly by his doctors.
Reportedly the star was advised not to fly as a result of a previous lung surgery before he and his brother both died in a crash in Zamora, Spain.
Jota, 28 and his 26-year-old brother Andre Silva were driving to catch a ferry to the UK in a Lamborghini that careered off the road after its tyre blew while attempting to overtake another vehicle.
The supercar then caught fire and both men were pronounced dead at the scene. Spain's Civil Guard claimed that the professional players could only be identified through their ID cards.
READ MORE: Diogo Jota dead at 28: Liverpool FC issues statement on 'unimaginable loss' as police 'confirm' cause of crash
READ MORE: Liverpool star Diogo Jota dead at 28 in tragic car crash just days after his wedding
CNN Portugal claimed that the brothers were on their way to Santander to catch a ferry to return to Liverpool ahead of pre-season training.
Jota only married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, 11 days ago, and the couple have three young children. The channel’s sports editor, Rui Laura, said: "The surgery he had was lung surgery, and he had been advised against flying following this.
Diogo Jota and wife Rute at wedding altar
Diogo Jota and wife Rute tied the knot less than two weeks ago (Image: Instagram)
"He was on his way to the northern Spanish port city of Santander to cross the 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."
CMTV journalist Victor Pinto also added: "Diogo Jota sometimes chose to travel by road because he had some pulmonary discomfort, nothing serious, and as we know, there is a ferry boat that connects the south of England to Spain’s Cantabria region.
"The information we have is that he was going to take a ferry to Santander, so this means it wasn’t exactly a road trip from England to Portugal. In this case, Diogo Jota would have made the ferry trip with his brother."
Liverpool players were expected to return to start pre-season training on Tuesday ahead of their friendly against Preston North End scheduled for July 13. The team were then set to play AC Milan, Yokohama FM and Athletic Club before the Community Shield against Crystal Palace at Wembley on August 10.
Diogo Jota's brother Andre Silva
Diogo Jota's brother Andre Silva
A club 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's representatives, Gestifute, also issued a statement paying tribute, stating: "The loss of Diogo Jota is irreparable. The brutal and tragic accident that claimed his life in Zamora, as well as that of his brother Andre Silva, who was travelling with him back to England, left Jorge Mendes and Gestifute in shock and completely devastated.
Prince William also released a statement following the brother's tragic death: "As part of the footballing family, I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him."
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