Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has delivered a heartfelt tribute to ex-teammate Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, following their tragic deaths in the early hours of Thursday.
Jota, 28, was discovered deceased alongside his brother after their vehicle crashed on the A-52 in Palacios de Sanabria near Zamora at around 12.40 am local time on Thursday. Authorities confirmed they were examining whether the Lamborghini veered off the carriageway due to a tyre blowout during an overtaking manoeuvre.
The soccer community and wider public have poured out tributes for the father of three, who had married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso merely 11 days earlier.
Writing on Instagram, current Ajax player Henderson expressed: "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 homage was shared alongside a joyful snapshot of the duo embracing on the field.
Jota's death has shocked the soccer world
Jota's death has shocked the soccer world (Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool's stars offered their respects to their friend and colleague on Thursday, with Virgil van Dijk posting 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 and Andre."
Manager Arne Slot conveyed a profound and moving message via the club, expressing his emotional homage to Jota. He remarked: "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."