Diogo Jota had a telephone conversation with the president of Gondomar SC, his boyhood club, mere hours before the Liverpool star's tragic passing.
The club's president revealed that Jota, 28, was "going through a happy moment" during their chat. Disaster struck in the early hours of Thursday when Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, lost their lives following a devastating car crash on the A-52 motorway in Zamora province, Spain.
The brothers were traveling to the port of Santander to board a ferry back to England after Jota had been told to avoid flying following recent lung surgery. The Lamborghini they were in left the carriageway at 12:30 am local time following what is believed to have been a tyre blowout while overtaking. Both men perished in the collision.
It's now been revealed that Jota spoke to Gondomar SC president Alvaro Cerqueira on the phone just before his death. The forward started his soccer career with Gondomar as a nine-year-old.
Cerqueira told JN: "It was just after 10 pm last night [Thursday], we were on the phone and he was fine.
"We spoke almost every week, and I know he was going through a happy moment. When Diogo needed to train during the off-season, he would ask to come here, and we would always make everything available.
Tributes are pouring in for Jota
Tributes are pouring in for Jota (Image: Getty Images)
"His brother would usually come too, and they would both train. It is difficult to talk at a time like this, but what will remain is the image of two very humble people, who leave a huge void."
Gondomar, nestled near the city of Porto, was the place Jota called home. It was here that he wed his long-term partner Rute Cardoso just two weeks before his untimely passing, a union blessed with three children.
His and his brother's funeral is scheduled for 10 am on Saturday. The proceedings will begin with a wake at Sao Cosme Chapel, followed by a funeral service at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar.
The soccer world has been united in mourning, with an outpouring of tributes to the former Liverpool player from colleagues, managers, clubs, and supporters. Anfield has become a focal point for grief, with fans leaving flowers and mementos in honor of Jota.
Liverpool's skipper Virgil van Dijk joined the chorus of voices expressing their sorrow, taking to Instagram to share: "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."