'Devastated' Liverpool post emotional tribute to Diogo Jota

Liverpool have been left 'devastated' in an emotional tribute to their player Diogo Jota after he died in a tragic car accident at the age of 28.

The Portuguese forward was travelling in the supercar with his fellow footballer and younger brother Andre, 26, who also died in the crash.

Jota's death tragically came just two weeks after he married his childhood sweetheart and mother of his three children, Rute Cardoso, in Porto. 

Several Liverpool fans gathered at Anfield on Thursday morning to lay flowers and messages in honour of Jota, as the world of football fell into mourning.

The Reds posted to Instagram on Thursday morning: 'Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.

'The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.

'Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.

'We will continue to provide them with our full support.'

Many of Jota's former teams have also posted with emotional tributes on social media. 

The star began his football career at Portuguese outfit Pacos de Ferreira before moving to Atletico Madrid in 2016. 

During his time with the Spanish side, he underwent two loan spells at Porto and Wolves before completing a permanent transfer to the Premier League club in 2018.

Two years later, he completed his £41million move to Liverpool - where he made over 100 appearances for the club en route to winning the Premier League title last season.

In tribute to Jota, Wolves posted: 'We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves. The memories he created will never be forgotten. 

'Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother, Andre. You will be truly missed, and always remembered.' 

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid said: '(We are) shocked by the tragic news of the passing of Diogo Jota, former club player, and his brother Andre.

'We send our deepest condolences to their family and loved ones. Rest in peace.'

Porto also posted: 'FC Porto is in mourning. It is with shock and deep sorrow that we end heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks. Rest in peace'.

The crash occurred on the A-52 in the province of Zamora. The road in Spain is a key route taken by drivers leaving northern Portugal. 

Read More

BREAKING NEWS
Revealed: Diogo Jota's heartbreaking final post on social media as Liverpool star dies aged 28

Emergency services in the Castilla and Leon region confirmed the crash.

'The 1-1-2 Castilla y León operations room received several calls reporting a vehicle accident at Km. 65 of the A-52, in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora. A car was reported to have been involved in an accident and the vehicle was on fire,' a statement read.

'1-1-2 notified the Zamora Traffic Police, the Zamora Provincial Council Fire Brigade, and the Sacyl Emergency Coordination Center (CCU) of this accident. 

'From there, a Medical Emergency Unit (UME) and the Primary Care Medical Staff (MAP) from the Mombuey Health Center were sent, who confirmed the death of two people on the scene.'