Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso pays tribute to Diogo Jota after the Liverpool striker's death on Thursday
Xabi Alonso, Head Coach of Real Madrid C.F, speaks to the media in a post match press conference during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Xabi Alonso says everyone at Real Madrid has been "deeply affected" by the death of Diogo Jota. And the los Blancos boss has sent condolences on behalf of the La Liga giants to Jota and his brother Andre Silva's family.
Reds striker Jota died in the early hours of Thursday in northern Spain when he was involved in a fatal car accident alongside his younger sibling, who was also a professional footballer with Portuguese side Penafiel.
The brothers were laid to rest on Saturday morning at a service in Gondomar, Portugal, with a large contingent of players and staff from Liverpool present, including captain Virgil van Dijk, head coach Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes.
Speaking before Real Madrid's Club World Cup clash with Borussia Dortmund in New Jersey on Saturday night, Alonso, who won the 2005 Champions League at Anfield, sent a heartfelt message to Jota's family.
"On my own behalf and on behalf of the club, I'd like to send our heartfelt condolences to the families of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva," Alonso said.
"We send them a warm embrace from here. It was extremely sad news that deeply affected us all. We started the day with a feeling that really makes you pause and reflect, and we spoke about it.
"So, on behalf of the club, we send them strength, encouragement and all our support to his daughter, his children and all the family.
Jota won the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Premier League during his five years as a Liverpool player, having signed in September 2020 from Wolves.