Hundreds of Liverpool fans paid tribute to the striker, who died along with his brother Andre Silva in a car accident
Tributes at Anfield stadium in tribute to Liverpool FC's Diogo Jota who has died in a car accident
Tributes at Anfield stadium in tribute to Liverpool FC's Diogo Jota who has died in a car accident
(Image: Liverpool Echo)
There was devastation around Liverpool and the wider footballing world today after the death of Diogo Jota in a car accident. The 28-year-old is said to have been travelling with his brother, Andre Silva, in the Zamora region of Sanabria in Spain when the incident occurred.
According to the Zamora provincial council, firefighters attended the scene on the A52, known as the Palacios de Sanabria, after the vehicle caught fire. Zamora News report that emergency services were called to the scene shortly before 1am on Thursday morning, with the vehicle heading towards nearby Benavente. Local reports have claimed the accident was the result of a blown-out tyre. Tributes have poured in from across the football world for the Portuguese international and Liverpool forward.
Liverpool FC released on official statement on their accounts after the tragic news was confirmed. The club said: "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."
He got married just two weeks ago to his long-term girlfriend Rute Cardoso. His brother also married his partner, Maria Rodrigues, last month.
The Liverpool forward signed for Liverpool in 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £41m. The 28-year-old began his career in his native Portugal, he spent time at Atletico Madrid, in Spain, before coming to England.
Jota played an important role throughout his five years with the Reds, including scoring six times in Liverpool's recent Premier League-winning season. In total, Jota found the net 65 times in 182 appearances.
Hundreds of Liverpool supporters, along with many other Evertonians and fans of other teams, laid down flowers and scarves in a near stunned silence around the stadium as they paid their respects.
The news broke in the UK at around 9.30am. When the ECHO arrived at Anfield just after 10am, some people were still unaware of the news. Andrew Oakley, 54, isn’t a Liverpool fan but had taken his Red-supporting son, Jacob, to see the stadium.
They were stunned when we told them the news. Andrew said: “Really? I had no idea. It’s devastating. I imagine there will be a lot of people around the ground today.” His son, Jacob, 11, added: “It’s shocking.”
Ian Clark said Jota was "always loved" by Liverpool fans
Ian Clark said Jota was "always loved" by Liverpool fans
As the news began to filter through, tearful Liverpool fans started to gather by the statue of legendary manager Bill Shankly to lay down scarfs and flowers. Many moved towards 97 Avenue opposite the Main Stand, where a makeshift shrine was set-up.
Ian Clark, 52, from Huyton, was taking some friends of his from Mauritius around the famous stadium when he heard the news. He said: “I must admit, I had to check it eight or nine times. For your life to be taken away in your prime, it’s a shame. It’s a shame for his club, shame for the fans but most of all it’s a shame for his family.
“He’s only been married two weeks. Everyone’s devastated about it. One thing with Diogo is that his memory will always live on. He was a star, everybody loved him and that’s never going to change.”
For Ian, it wasn’t just Jota’s ability in front of goal that impressed him. He said: “Everybody always remembers his goals but one thing you always remember is his passion. He never stopped running for that shirt. That’s all we expect. That’s why the fans always loved him.”
On a similar theme, Carol Butterworth had already planned to take her family from New Zealand around the area when she found out about Jota’s death. Carol, who is originally from the Everton area, said: “It’s awful. Jota always had a smile on his face. I loved everything about him.”
Elliot Francis, 19, from Dingle, travelled down to Anfield when he heard about the news. As a season ticket-holder, he developed a special connection with Jota. said he spoke to Jota every week after the match, adding that the Portuguese player used to come and stop to talk to him in the ground, as he was making his way off the pitch.
Like Ian, it was Jota’s attitude that impressed him. Elliot said: "Jota was brilliant. He was everything we wanted from a Liverpool player. He was a real Scouser, he gave everything to us. This is a loss for everyone. It's devastating for his family. His song will forever be sung now."
Elliot Francis, who spoke to Jota regularly
Elliot Francis, who spoke to Jota regularly (Image: Liverpool Echo)
Joel Hollaway, 16, from Walton, added: “It’s sad and devastating. I really liked him as a player. I wanted to come here to pay my respects and so has everyone else. It shows how we can support each other during sad times.”
Wayne Duffy, 44, from Anfield: “I’m still in shock. Devastation is what I can describe it as. 28, just been married, new season coming up - imagine what the players are going through. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
Anthony Wood, 42, also from Anfield, started crying as he added: “I just feel sorry for his family. He was an amazingly talented player. He was a true hero for Liverpool and will be sadly missed.”
It wasn't just Liverpool supporters around the stadium either. Reds fan Kelly Parsons, 40, from Aintree, was joined by her husband Joseph, who supports Manchester United. He placed a scarf from his team there.
Tributes were left on 97 Avenue opposite the Main Stand
Tributes were left on 97 Avenue opposite the Main Stand
Kelly said: “He asked me, would it be disrespectful if I bought my Man United scarf out? I said, absolutely not. Times like this bring everybody together. The whole football community, the whole world to be honest.”
Steve Denton, 66, walked up from County Road in his Everton shirt to pay his respects. He said: “It’s devastating.
“It’s not about football today. It’s about the city isn’t it? A man has just lost his life. He’s left a family behind. What more can you say?”