Former Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold has spoken for the first time since the heartbreaking news broke that his ex-teammate Diogo Jota has died at the age of 28.
"It's so difficult to find the right words when your head and heart are struggling to accept that someone you care so much about has gone," Alexander-Arnold wrote on social media. "Diogo, your family was your world. They were everything. For Rute, his children, and his parents, all of our hearts are broken. And for Andre as well. Brothers and best friends.
"When it's less painful, I want to remember Diogo with a big smile. So many laughs and happy moments. He was such a great teammate and a true friend. Forever number 20. Rest in peace, Diogo."
Several other former teammates also paid tribute to Jota, who had just won the Premier League and the UEFA Nations League and married his wife, Rute.
Sadio Mane uploaded an Instagram story with a picture of himself and Jota, alongside two heartbroken emojis and a sad face. In the image, the pair are shown together playing for Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium in what was Mane's final campaign at the club before he moved to Bayern Munich.
"I love you brother," Thiago Alcantara, who was signed at the same time as Jota, said. "You will be forever within us."
Diogo Jota of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 match between Liverpool FC and Toulouse FC at Anfield on October 26, 2023 in Liverpool, England
Diogo Jota leaves behind a wife and three children (Image: Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
And former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who now works for the Red Bull Group, also sent a heartfelt message of disbelief. "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 Andre.
"Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father! 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."
Tributes are laid at Anfield for Diogo Jota.
Tributes are laid at Anfield for Diogo Jota. (Image: Jess Hornby/Getty Images)
"RIP Diogo," Reds legend Steven Gerrard wrote on his Instagram story following the news breaking, alongside a greyscale picture of Jota that had been posted by the official Liverpool FC account.
"Condolences to his family and friends during this incredibly sad time," Gerrard added.
"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," a Manchester United post on social media read.
"We are devastated by this tragic news," Everton added. "Everyone at Everton is sending their thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and Andre Silva."