The former Liverpool captain shared an emotional tribute to his former teammate
Diojo Jota embracing Jordan Henderson after scoring against Leeds in 2023
Diojo Jota embracing Jordan Henderson after scoring against Leeds in 2023
(Image: Getty Images)
Former Liverpool FC captain Jordan Henderson has paid a moving tribute to former teammate Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva after their deaths in the early hours of Thursday.
28-year-old Jota was found dead alongside his brother following the crash on the A-52 in Palacios de Sanabria near the city of Zamora at 12.40am on Thursday.
Police said they were investigating the possibility that the Lamborghini left the road because of a tyre blowout while overtaking. Tributes from the football world and beyond flooded in for the father of three, who had married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso just 11 days ago.
Posting on Instagram, the current Ajax player said: "I really can't believe what has happened today and all I can think about is Diogo and Andre's family.
"It's unimaginable the pain you all must be suffering. All of our prayers, love and support are with you now and forever.
"Jots it was a pleasure to share a pitch with you but more importantly a friendship. All the laughs we had off the pitch and trying to find ways to wind Milly up and get him fined, which we never could.
"Taking pictures of me asleep on the bus travelling then sending them to me later. You always wanted to have a laugh and were a pleasure to be around.
"I know how much Rute and your family meant to you and I know you will always be looking down on them. Thank you for everything you brought into this world, we will all miss you.
"Rest in peace along with your brother Andre. Love ya mate. YNWA."
The tribute was accompanied by a celebratory photo of the pair hugging on the pitch.
Liverpool stars paid tribute to their friend and teammate on Thursday evening, with Virgil van Dijk writing on social media: "Man, I can’t believe it, I don’t wanna believe it.
"Absolutely devastated and in total disbelief. What a human being, what a player, but most importantly what an unbelievable family man.
"You meant so much to all of us and you always will! For your family to lose two sons, a husband and a father is just unimaginable.
"So cruel and unfair. My heart is breaking for all of your beautiful family, for Rute and for your kids. I promise you that in these difficult times and beyond we will always be there for your family. A champion forever, number 20 forever.
"It’s been a privilege to have stood by your side on the pitch, and to have been your friend off it. We will miss you beyond words and never forget you.
"Your legacy will live on, we will make sure of it! Rest in perfect peace Diogo & Andre."
Manager Arne Slot released a lengthy and heartfelt message through the club where he paid emotional tribute to Jota. He said: "What to say? What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw? I wish I had the words but I know I do not.
“All I have are feelings that I know so many people will share about a person and a player we loved dearly and a family we care so much about.
“My first thoughts are not those of a football manager. They are of a father, a son, a brother and an uncle and they belong to the family of Diogo and Andre Silva who have experienced such an unimaginable loss."
He continued: "I could say so much about what he brought to our team but the truth is everyone who watched Diogo play could see it. Hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, goals. The essence of what a Liverpool player should be."
To read Slot's full tribute, click here.