Sadio Mane has paid tribute to Diogo Jota with heartfelt words on social media, following in Divock Origi's footsteps.
The Liverpool community is mourning the devastating loss of Jota, who lost his life in a car crash alongside his brother Andre Silva while driving through Spain on Thursday. The tragic incident occurred as they were traveling to catch a ferry back to Merseyside for the commencement of the Reds' pre-season, with their car tragically leaving the road after a tire blowout.
The funeral for Jota and Silva took place in their native Gondomar on Saturday. It was attended by many former Liverpool players, including Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara, and Caoimhin Kelleher, demonstrating the profound impact Jota had on the team.
Mane and Jota shared the field at Liverpool for two seasons, featuring in 64 games together and securing victories in both the League Cup and FA Cup under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp.
Upon hearing of Jota's untimely passing, Mane conveyed his sorrow on Instagram, posting a photo of the duo celebrating a goal with two broken heart emojis and a sad face.
Now, Mane has extended his homage to his late teammate with another post on Instagram. Sharing images of their shared celebrations in Liverpool colors, Mane wrote: "Your disappearance will leave us with a void because you left in the prime of your age.
Origi and Jota were teammates at Liverpool
Origi and Jota were teammates at Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)
"This makes us sad and dismayed remains the best feeling shared for those of us who have stood by you on a daily basis for years at Liverpool FC. Forever in our hearts".
Another former Reds striker, Origi, broke his year-long silence on Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute to Jota.
Sharing a photo of the 28-year-old replacing him in a Champions League match, he penned ahead of Saturday's funeral: "Beyond words... Sending love and prayers to Diogo and Andre's family, wife, and kids.
"We will miss you. You'll forever be remembered brother. 20 forever. You'll Never Walk Alone".
Liverpool confirmed the news of Jota's death in a statement on Thursday before Arne Slot shared a heartbreaking tribute. The end of Slot's tribute read: "That we have lost those qualities in such terrible circumstances is something we have not yet come to terms with.
"For this reason, we need everyone at the club to stand together and to be there for one another. We owe this to Diogo, to Andre Silva, to their wider family, and to ourselves.
"My condolences go to Diogo’s wife, Rute, their three beautiful children, and to the parents of Diogo and Andre Silva.
"When the time is right, we will celebrate Diogo Jota, we will remember his goals, and we will sing his song. For the time being, we will remember him as a unique human being and mourn his loss. He will never be forgotten. His name is Diogo."