Jordan Henderson was in tears as he laid flowers at Anfield for his former teammate Diogo Jota on Friday.
The ex-Liverpool captain returned to Merseyside following the news of the death of Jota, who passed following a car accident on Thursday in Spain. The 28-year-old had been traveling with his brother Andre Silva, who also died in the accident, as he prepared to return to Liverpool ahead of his first pre-season training session.
Tributes have flooded in from across the world after the news broke, with Jota's Liverpool teammates expressing their sorrow on social media. Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson are among those to have paid tribute, while some former Reds, including Trent Alexander-Arnold and Caoimhin Kelleher, have also paid their respects.
Henderson also posted a message on social media before returning to Anfield to lay his own tribute. Hundreds of supporters have already left flowers and other items outside the stadium, while books of condolence have been opened by the club to be signed over the next few days.
Henderson arrived at Anfield on Friday, where he laid flowers and a scarf on the site outside the stadium. The former Liverpool captain wiped away tears as he paused to reflect.
Among the other tributes were a set of flowers that appeared to be from the family of Harvey Elliott, with a message reading: "With love and deepest sympathy. Love from the Elliott family, HE19."
Tributes at Anfield included one from the family of Harvey Elliott
Tributes at Anfield included one from the family of Harvey Elliott (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
Posting on Instagram on Thursday, Henderson wrote: "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 [James Milner] 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.
Jordan Henderson lays a tribute to Diogo Jota at Anfield
Jordan Henderson lays a tribute to Diogo Jota at Anfield (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
"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."
Jota's funeral will take place on Saturday in the same town in which he married his long-term partner Rute last month. A wake is taking place on Friday in his hometown of Gondomar, where tributes have been laid at a football academy named in his honor.