Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
THE football world has united in paying tribute to Diogo Jota after the tragic news of the Liverpool forward’s death in a car accident this Thursday morning.
The 28-year-old Jota along with his brother Andre Silba, also a professional footballer, both died shortly in the early hours of Thursday when the vehicle they were travelling in veered off the motorway in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora province, in Spain.
Tributes have started pouring in from around the world after the tragic demise of the Liverpool forward.
Part of the statement released by his club read: “Liverpool Football Club is devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. We will continue to provide the family with our full support.”
His national team Captain Cristiano Ronaldo also expressed his grief on social media.
“It doesn’t make sense. We were just together on the national team, and you had just gotten married. To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you,” he said.
Basketball legend and NBA icon LeBron James who is also a Liverpool minority stakeholder added: “My prayers go out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!
Many other world stars and former players including Jamie Carragher, Gary Neville, the Portuguese Football Association, his former clubs Wolves and Porto, among others, also sent their condolences.
Jota helped Liverpool win the English Premier League title last season before winning the Nations League with Portugal last month.
