The business said the news about Jota's death had left 'everyone in disbelief'
Diogo Jota with his barber Jordan Roberts
Diogo Jota with his barber Jordan Roberts(Image: @jord_barbersno1/Instagram)
Diogo Jota’s Merseyside barber said his “heart is broken” after the death of the Liverpool striker. Yesterday morning, it was announced that Jota died in a car accident, aged 28, along with his brother Andre Silva, 26.
The brothers were in the Zamora region of Sanabria when the incident occurred. Firefighters attended the scene on the A52, which is known as the Palacios de Sanabria, after the vehicle caught fire, according to the Zamora provincial council. Local media in the region report that emergency services were called to the scene soon before 1am on Thursday morning - with the vehicle heading towards nearby Benavente.
Police said they were investigating the possibility that the star's Lamborghini left the road because of a tyre blowout while overtaking. The bodies of Jota and Andre will be laid to rest at a service in Portugal tomorrow morning.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.
Jota, who lived in Crosby, built a special connection with Liverpool fans during his life, both for his ability on the pitch and humility off it. When the striker needed a hair cut, he would opt for Barbers No 1. Starting in St Helens, Barbers No 1 now has 15 shops in the North West, 13 of which are in Merseyside.
Its branches have become a popular destination for Merseyside’s footballers after former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino started visiting. Jota had his hair cut at one of its shops back in May, shortly before Liverpool lifted the Premier League title.
In a tribute on its Instagram page, Barbers No 1 said yesterday: “A day of deep sorrow for us all as we hear the devastating news about our friend Diogo and his brother Andre. This heartbreaking news has left everyone in shock and disbelief.
“On behalf of everyone at BarbersNo1 our heartfelt thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences go out to his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”
In a further post, Jordan Roberts, who is the area manager for the business and is based in Maghull, spoke movingly of the close friendship he had built with the Portuguese striker and his family. On his own Instagram page yesterday, Jordan revealed he had been given several signed shirts by Jota and had even visited him in his native Portugal.
In the caption, Jordan said: “The news today has hit me hard, you weren't just a client who I cut. We made a friendship over these years, watching our children grow up and share special occasions together.
“You and Rut have always been welcoming to me and trusting. All I have thought about all day is spending the time with you, preparing you and the boys for the wedding, last week. My heart is broken for your family and loved ones. I know you'll be looking down on them brother. Rest easy.”
Throughout the day, thousands of fans made their way to Anfield to pay tribute to the Portuguese international. Throughout the day, thousands of fans made their way to Anfield to pay tribute.
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.
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.
Tributes to Diogo Jota outside Anfield stadium today
Tributes to Diogo Jota outside Anfield stadium today
“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.”
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."