West Ham have seen first-hand how the football world puts rivalries aside to rally around one another in difficult circumstances and now it has responded in kind as Liverpool mourn Diogo Jota.
It was less than seven months ago that West Ham forward Michail Antonio somehow survived a crash which saw his leg broken in four places.
Antonio’s Ferrari spun off the road at Epping Forest and initial reports suggested the Hammers ace might have been killed.
Thankfully for Antonio and his family, he survived and is now trying to make a comeback to football.
West Ham send wishes to Liverpool after death of Diogo Jota
Liverpool were among the first to send Antonio and West Ham their well-wishes after that incident.
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at LFC are with Michail and his family,” Liverpool said at the time.
The tragic news from Spain this week that Reds ace Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva were killed in a car crash has rocked the football world.
Diogo Jota celebrates winning the Premier League title after Liverpool FC v Crystal Palace FC
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
The Lamborghini Jota and his brother were travelling in, left the road after a suspected tyre blowout before being engulfed in flames after crashing.
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Just as Liverpool rallied around West Ham after Antonio’s crash, the Hammers published their condolences in the wake of Jota’s passing at the age of just 28.
“Everyone at West Ham United is greatly saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva,” West Ham said in a statement.
“We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those connected to Liverpool Football Club at this unimaginably difficult time.”
West Ham star pays touching tribute to former teammate Jota
Now a West Ham star has paid a touching tribute to his former teammate Jota as Liverpool mourn the tragic loss.
Jota’s family, teammates and colleagues have been gathering in his hometown of Gondomar near Porto for his funeral.
Some of the most prominent figures in football have been paying tribute to Jota.
At West Ham, a host of players took to social media to share their condolences and pay respect to Liverpool’s number 20.
West Ham star pays touching tribute to former teammate Diogo Jota as Liverpool mourns tragic loss
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Kilman says ‘fantastic Jota an even better person than player’
Hammers ace Max Kilman actually shared a dressing room with Jota at Wolves before their respective moves to Liverpool and West Ham.
Kilman posted a picture on Instagram of him and Jota celebrating together while at Wolves.
And his words echoed many of the tributes that have been paid to the brilliant Liverpool star since his passing – that he was an even better person than player.
“Heartbreaking news,” Kilman said.
“A fantastic player and even better person.
“Sending my condolences to your family.
“Rest in peace.”
Rivalries mean nothing as Liverpool mourn tragic loss
Jota always seemed destined to achieve great things as a player and at a fantastic club like Liverpool.
West Ham actually scouted Jota prior to joining Wolves from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid back in 2018.
Hammers boss Graham Potter previously hailed Jota as a player who gives teams another dimension.
None of that matters of course with Jota leaving behind a wife, three children and grieving parents.
The cruel loss is another reminder just how precious life is.
It also shows that while tribalism is what makes football – particularly in England – great, it is the way that rivalry is put to one side in times of loss like this which truly makes it the beautiful game.
Diogo Jota and Andre Silva, Rest In Peace.