Last updated on July 6, 2025
Join our WhatsApp community and be part of the conversation!
“It’s going to be extremely difficult to accept that Diogo won’t be there when we go back.”
Image credit: Tayo
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has expressed deep sorrow following the tragic death of teammate Diogo Jota in a car crash that also claimed the life of Jota’s younger brother, André Silva.
Jota, 28, was returning to Liverpool for pre-season when the accident occurred in the early hours of Thursday.
He was advised not to fly after undergoing minor surgery and opted to travel by car and ferry.
Salah, who joined the Reds in 2017, said:
“I am truly lost for words Until yesterday, I never thought there would be something that would frighten me of going back to Liverpool after the break. Team-mates come and go but not like this.
“It’s going to be extremely difficult to accept that Diogo won’t be there when we go back.
“My thoughts are with his wife, his children, and of course his parents who suddenly lost their children. Those close to Diogo and his brother Andre need all the support they can get. They will never be forgotten.”
Jota, who recently married his long-time partner Rute Cardoso, leaves behind three children. The couple wed just 11 days before the tragedy.
Liverpool postponed their scheduled pre-season return on Friday. A phased return will begin on Monday.
Dr. Miguel Goncalves, who supervised Jota’s recovery, described him as an “unparalleled professional” and praised his dedication:
“I started working with him last Saturday and I was with him every day until this Wednesday. I said goodbye to him at dinner time.
“He made an extraordinary recovery – he was undoubtedly an unparalleled professional. He strictly followed what I told him, as you could see in the way he was recovering.
“He was excited, confident in his recovery and enthusiastic about the next season.”
Tributes have poured in across the football world.
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher called Jota “one of my closest friends in football,” recalling shared memories watching sports with Jota and his brother.
Fans have laid flowers and scarves at Anfield, while a vigil was held in Jota’s hometown of Gondomar, Portugal.
The local football academy, named in his honour, displayed images of Jota from his early years.
A funeral service will be held at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar.
Jota joined Liverpool in 2020 from Wolves and played a key role in their recent Premier League success.
Clubs, teammates, and fans continue to pay tribute to a player described as a symbol of passion, humility, and joy.
