Sea of scarves at Anfield as emotional tributes left for Diogo Jota

Hundreds of scarves, flowers and tributes have been left at Anfield in memory of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva's deaths. The 28-year-old footballer and his sibling were found dead after a crash on the A-52 in Palacios de Sanabria, near Zamora city, at 12.40am on Thursday.

Authorities are investigating whether a tyre blowout during an overtaking manoeuvre caused their Lamborghini to veer off the road. Tributes have been pouring in from across the football community and beyond for the father-of-three, who had wed his long-term partner Rute Cardoso just 11 days before.

Throughout Thursday (July 3), thousands of fans flocked to Anfield to honour the Portuguese international. The atmosphere at Anfield was heavy with grief as fans reminisced about the striker. By Friday morning, a carpet of scarves blanketed the grass on 97 Avenue outside the Main Stand, transforming it into an impromptu memorial for Jota and his brother.

The Liverpool ECHO spent much of Thursday conversing with fans coming to terms with the news of Jota's passing. Tearful Liverpool supporters began congregating by the statue of legendary manager Bill Shankly to lay down scarves and flowers, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Many migrated towards 97 Avenue opposite the Main Stand, where the makeshift shrine had been established.

Ian Clark, 52, from Huyton, was showing some friends from Mauritius around the stadium when he received the tragic news. He said: "I must admit, I had to check it eight or nine times. For your life to be taken away in your prime, it's a shame. It's a shame for his club, shame for the fans but, most of all, it's a shame for his family.

"He's only been married two weeks. Everyone's devastated about it. One thing with Diogo is that his memory will always live on. He was a star, everybody loved him and that's never going to change."

Ian admired not just Jota's goal-scoring prowess but also his dedication on the pitch. He said: "Everybody always remembers his goals but one thing you always remember is his passion. He never stopped running for that shirt. That's all we expect. That's why the fans always loved him."

Carol Butterworth, who had arranged to show her visiting family from New Zealand around the local area, was struck by the news of Jota's passing. Carol, originally from the Everton district, said: "It's awful. Jota always had a smile on his face. I loved everything about him."

Elliot Francis, 19, from Dingle, made his way to Anfield upon hearing the sombre news. As a season ticket holder, Elliot felt a unique bond with Jota, saying: "I spoke to Jota every week after the match," and noted that the Portuguese player would always make time to stop and chat with him as he left the pitch.

Elliot praised Jota's commitment, adding: "Jota was brilliant. He was everything we wanted from a Liverpool player. He was a real Scouser, he gave everything to us. This is a loss for everyone. It's devastating for his family. His song will forever be sung now."

The sense of unity transcended club rivalries, with Reds supporter Kelly Parsons, 40, from Aintree, accompanied by her Manchester United-supporting husband Joseph, who also paid tribute by placing a scarf from his team.

Everton fan Steve Denton, 66, made the journey from County Road in his Everton shirt to honour Jota, saying: "It's devastating."

He reflected on the broader impact, saying: "It's not about football today. It's about the city isn't it? A man has just lost his life. He's left a family behind. What more can you say?"

Liverpool FC has set up both physical and digital books of condolences for Jota and his brother Andre, with numerous fans lining up at the Anfield Road Stand reception last night to sign the book.

Reds manager Arne Slot shared a heartfelt message last night, acknowledging the difficulty of finding words after Jota's passing, despite having managed him for only one season during which they clinched the Premier League title.

Slot said: "What to say? What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw? I wish I had the words but I know I do not.

"All I have are feelings that I know so many people will share about a person and a player we loved dearly and a family we care so much about.

"My first thoughts are not those of a football manager. They are of a father, a son, a brother and an uncle and they belong to the family of Diogo and Andre Silva who have experienced such an unimaginable loss.

"I could say so much about what he brought to our team but the truth is everyone who watched Diogo play could see it. Hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, goals. The essence of what a Liverpool player should be."