Hundreds of scarves were placed at Anfield in memory of the Portuguese international
Tributes to Diogo Jota outside Anfield stadium this morning
Tributes to Diogo Jota outside Anfield stadium this morning
(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Hundreds of scarves, flowers and tributes are mounting at Anfield after the news broke across the globe that Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva had died. 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.
Throughout the day, thousands of fans made their way to Anfield to pay tribute to the Portuguese international.
The mood at Anfield was sombre, with fans sharing memories of the striker, and as the sun rose on Friday a sea of scarves covered the grass on 97 Avenue outside the Main Stand in what has become a makeshift shrine to Jota and his brother.
The ECHO spent much of Thursday speaking to shocked fans who were processing the news of Jota's death. 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 the makeshift shrine was set-up.
A sea of red took over 97 Avenue
A sea of red took over 97 Avenue(Image: Liverpool Echo)
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.”
People left messages in tribute to Jota
People left messages in tribute to Jota(Image: Liverpool Echo)
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. Elliot 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."
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.
Steve Denton, 66, walked up from County Road in his Everton shirt to pay his respects. He said: “It’s devastating.
Diogo Jota will forever be remembered by Liverpool fans
Diogo Jota will forever be remembered by Liverpool fans
“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?”
The club opened both physical and digital books of condolences in memory of Jota and brother Andre, with hundreds queuing to enter reception of the Anfield Road Stand to sign the book last night.
Last night saw Reds manager Arne Slot pen a lengthy and touching tribute to the player who had spent just a season under Slot's stewardship as they lifted the Premier League title.
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 added: "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."