The funeral service for Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva took place today in Portugal
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez said "the world has been together" as Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva were laid to rest. The funeral took place at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar (the Mother Church of Gondomar) today, Saturday, July 5.
Jota was travelling with his younger sibling in northern Spain in the early hours of Thursday morning when his car was involved in a fatal crash. It's been reported the crash, on the A52 known as Palacios de Sanabria, near the city of Zamora, was the result of a blown-out tyre as Jota and Andre, himself a player for Portuguese side Penafiel, were making their way towards a ferry that was bound for the UK ahead of a return to pre-season training.
Liverpool FC players, family, friends and loved ones all attended today's funeral in an incredibly moving and emotional service. Mourners were stood outside the church as so many people turned up to pay tribute to the brothers who meant so much to the community.
It was an extremely emotional day as everyone inside and outside the church was still trying to process this unimaginable and tragic loss. The two clearly meant so much to the teams they played for as people from Porto, Portugal and Liverpool all provided emotional tributes in their memory.
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez following the funeral of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez following the funeral of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva
(Image: Phil Harris)
People lined the streets ahead of the church and broke into applause at various moments during a heartbreaking morning. Those outside held a respectful silence as the service was broadcast on a speaker so that the public could also pay their tribute to two people who meant so much.
Following the service, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez spoke to media outside. He said: "I wanted to say it is a really, really sad day as you can imagine. But today was a day [that showed] we are a very, very large but close family. We are Portugal."
He added: "We are together. The world has been together and their spirit will be with us forever. Thank you for all of your messages and support. Today we are one football family."
Roberto Martinez, head of the Portugal National Team, arrives at a funeral held for Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva
Roberto Martinez, head of the Portugal National Team, arrives at a funeral held for Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva
(Image: Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
A delegation of Liverpool players led by Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson arrived holding a floral tribute bearing Diogo Jota's number 20. The incredible emotional tribute prompted an outpouring of support from the mourners stood in front of the church.
People applauded and cheered the Liverpool FC players. The Liverpool players were visibly emotional as they entered the church where Diogo Jota and Andre Silva were going to be laid to rest.
Caoimhin Kelleher, Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo, Darwin Nunez, Federico Chiesa, Ibrahima Konate and Ryan Gravenberch were part of the Liverpool FC delegation. Arne Slot was also pictured arriving at the funeral, as well as Darwin Nunez.
Following the funeral service, mourners headed towards a cemetery for a private ceremony. People around the church applauded those in the huge group of guests.