The former Everton player said his thoughts were with all those impacted by the tragic death of the Liverpool forward and his brother in Spain
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 01: Diogo Jota of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Richarlison of Everton in action
during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Goodison Park on September 01, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Richarlison and Diogo Jota compete during the game between Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Goodison Park in September 2019
(Image: Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Richarlison described Diogo Jota as a “formidable opponent” as he offered his condolences to Liverpool supporters and others impacted by his death. The former Everton striker joined those from the world of football to pay his respect to the 28-year-old and his brother, Andre Silva.
Both men tragically passed away on Thursday after a car crash in Spain. Their deaths prompted an outpouring of grief, with Anfield now a sea of floral tributes and footballers from across the professional game expressing their sadness.
Richarlison, who spent four seasons at Everton before signing for Tottenham Hotspur in July 2022, added his words to the thousands of touching messages posted on social media.
He wrote: “Diogo was always a formidable opponent, a talented and respectful player on the field. His passing leaves us all devastated.
“My condolences to his family, friends, and all his fans, especially those of Liverpool, Portugal, and the other clubs where he made his mark. May God receive Diogo and his brother André in all His glory! Rest in peace.”
Jota, who had followed up Liverpool’s Premier League title with success in the UEFA Nations League with Portugal this summer, was a dad-of-three who married long-term partner Rute Cardaso less than a fortnight ago.
His club manager, Arne Slot, said his thoughts were foremost with the family of the brothers following the tragedy. He wrote: “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.
“My message to them is very clear – you will never walk alone. The players, the staff, the supporters of Liverpool Football Club are all with you and from what I have seen today, the same can be said of the wider family of football.
“This is not solely a response to tragedy. It is also a reaction to the goodness of the people involved and the respect that so many have for the boys as individuals and for the family as a whole.
“For us as a club, the sense of shock is absolute. Diogo was not just our player. He was a loved one to all of us. He was a teammate, a colleague, a workmate and in all of those roles he was very special.
“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.”
Jota signed for Liverpool from Wolves in September 2020. He won three major honours with the club.