The wife of the Liverpool goalkeeper said Jota's family will 'never be alone'
Natalia Becker, wife of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, has paid tribute to Diogo Jota
Natalia Becker, wife of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, has paid tribute to Diogo Jota
(Image: Natalia Becker/Instagram)
The wife of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has paid tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva after they died in a car accident. Yesterday morning, it was announced that the Portuguese striker had died in the incident aged 28, along with his brother Andre, 26.
The brothers were in the Zamora region of Sanabria when the crash happened. 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.
During his time at Liverpool, Jota and his family built up a strong friendship with Liverpool’s South American players, as many of them are native Portuguese or Spanish speakers.
Natalia Becker, the wife of Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson, posted a picture of her family with Jota’s yesterday evening on her Instagram story.
In the caption, translated from Poteguese, she said: “How sad. It's hard to believe that it's true. This is a family that we love so much. May God comfort, sustain and give each of them strength at this devastating moment.
“We are devastated. We will forever look up to you, buddy. You will be missed and many happy memories, like the photo. Rute and family, you will never be alone. We will be here for you and with you, always!”
Many of Jota’s teammates have added their own tribute to Jota. Argentinian midfielder Alexis Mac Allister said: "I can't believe it. I will always remember your smiles, your anger, your intelligence, your companionship and everything that made you a person.
"It hurts a lot, we will miss you. Rest in peace dear Diogo "
Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez said: “There are no words of comfort for so much pain. I will always remember you with your smile, as a good companion on and off the field. I send all my strength to his family, from where he is I'm sure he will always be with you, especially his wife and three children.
Roberto Firmino, a former Liverpool forward also from Brazil, said: “When words fail, there are only inexpressible groans.
"And for that reason I get on my knees, praying that the Holy Spirit comforts the heart of Rute, Dinis, Duarte, Mafalda, Seu Joaquim, Lady Isabel and all the family and friends.
"It was a privilege and an honor to have known and lived such special moments alongside you. Rest in Peace to my brother Jota, and Andre."
Dutch defender and Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk wrote: "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 & Andre."
People have been seen arriving at Capelas da Ressurreicao for the wake ahead of tomorrow's funeral. Mourners could be seen embracing outside of the church in Gondomar, the province east of Porto where the brothers were brought up. Of those to arrive at the church this morning was Portuguese Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro.
Liverpool FC have taken the decision to push back their pre-season training following the death of Jota. The first phase of Liverpool players were due to report to the AXA Training Centre on Friday (July 4) ahead of a larger contingent returning on Monday (July 7). However, the ECHO understands that a decision to postpone the summer schedule has now been taken.