Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has described the sudden death of teammate Diogo Jota as "extremely difficult to accept." Jota, aged 28, tragically lost his life in a car accident on Thursday, alongside his 25-year-old brother, Andre Silva.
"I am truly lost for words," said Salah, who has been with Liverpool since 2017. "Until yesterday, I never imagined something so devastating would happen. Team-mates come and go, but not like this. It’s going to be incredibly hard to return to Liverpool and not see Diogo there. My heart goes out to his wife, children, and parents, who have lost both their sons. They need all the support they can get, and Diogo and Andre will never be forgotten."
The accident occurred at approximately 00:30 local time in Portugal, according to the Guardia Civil. Jota was traveling back to Liverpool for pre-season training. Due to recent minor surgery, doctors had advised him against flying, so he opted to make the journey by car and ferry.
Dr. Miguel Goncalves, who assisted Jota in his recovery, praised the footballer as an "unparalleled professional." Speaking to Portuguese sports newspaper Record, Dr. Goncalves said, "I worked with him from last Saturday until Wednesday. He was making an extraordinary recovery, strictly following my advice. He was excited and confident about the upcoming season."
Jota married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, just 11 days before the tragic incident. The couple had three children together.
Liverpool has postponed its pre-season return, initially scheduled for Friday, to allow players time to grieve. A phased return is now planned for Monday. The team’s first pre-season match against Preston North End is set for July 13.
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher paid tribute to Jota, calling him "one of my closest friends in football." Kelleher shared fond memories of their time together, saying, "We bonded over sports, watching football matches, and even darts and horse racing. It’s going to hurt for a long time, but I feel lucky to have known him."
A vigil for Jota and his brother was held at the Chapel of Resurrection in their hometown of Gondomar on Friday, followed by a funeral service on Saturday. Tributes have poured in from fans and former clubs, including Liverpool and Wolves, where Jota played before joining the Reds in 2020.
Liverpool has opened a book of condolences at Anfield’s reception area and online, allowing fans worldwide to share their memories and messages of support. The football academy in Gondomar, named after Jota, has also become a focal point for tributes.
The football world continues to mourn the loss of a talented player and beloved teammate, whose legacy will endure both on and off the pitch.
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