Xabi Alonso has expressed that the Real Madrid family is mourning the tragic loss of Diogo Jota. The former Liverpool midfielder, now managing los Blancos, extended his deepest sympathies to the families of Jota and Andre Silva following their untimely passing.
The football world was shocked by the news that Reds striker Jota and his brother, who played for Portuguese club Penafiel, were killed in a car crash in northern Spain. Their funeral took place on Saturday in Gondomar, Portugal, with Liverpool representatives, including Virgil van Dijk, Arne Slot, and Richard Hughes, paying their respects.
Alonso, ahead of Real Madrid's Club World Cup match against Borussia Dortmund in New Jersey, shared a touching tribute: "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," he 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, who joined Liverpool from Wolves in September 2020, has had a successful stint with the Reds, bagging the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Premier League titles during his five-year tenure.
Former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold paid tribute to Jota on social media following the news of his tragic passing.
"It's so difficult to find the right words when your head and heart are struggling to accept that someone you care so much about has gone," Alexander-Arnold wrote on social media. "Diogo, your family was your world. They were everything. For Rute, his children, and his parents, all of our hearts are broken. And for Andre as well. Brothers and best friends.
"When it's less painful, I want to remember Diogo with a big smile. So many laughs and happy moments. He was such a great teammate and a true friend. Forever number 20. Rest in peace, Diogo."
Real is preparing to face Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup on Saturday. It is unclear if Alexander-Arnold will be involved, with Jude Bellingham offering his support for his teammate.
"It's been a really tough day for him to process," England star Bellingham said. "I think they were team-mates for five years.
"As a team, we were there to support him and I think he's dealt with it in his own way. He's had a lot of time to reflect and think about what's happened.
"Obviously it's a terrible shame and I'm sure everyone, every player, every club, sends their condolences and their love to his family.
"It's a horrible bit of news and we hope that they're grieving and that they have the privacy and the comfort to do so."