Honoring Diogo Jota and Andre Silva: Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James and more pay tribute after deadly crash

Tribute has been inserted for Liverpool Vooruit Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva after the couple died in a car accident in Spain In the early hours of Thursday morning. The two men died on the spot after an incident on the A52 near Cernadilla, Zamora, in northwestern Spain. According to a statement from the local police, the car in which the men drove had suffered a popt band while trying to pass another vehicle before it crashed.

Whose Was married to his long -term partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children last month. Jota had won 49 caps for Portugal, scored 14 goals and won the Premier League title with Liverpool in April. His brother, Andre, was also a professional football player at Penafiel in the second division of Portuguese football.

In tribute to Jota and Andre, a minute of silence will be observed at all matches on Thursday and Friday at the European Championships for Women, including the match of their country against Spain. In a statement, the Portuguese football federation -President Pedro Proenca said: “The Portuguese football federation and the entire Portuguese football community were destroyed by the death of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva in Spain this morning.

“Further than an exceptional player, with nearly 50 caps for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference within his own community. On behalf of me, on behalf of the Portuguese football federation, I am from Penaphile, the clubs respectively.

“We have lost two champions. Their death represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honor their estate every day.”

The Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro added to the tribute on social media and wrote: “The news about the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who has honored the name of Portugal enormously and his brother is unexpected and tragic.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer added: “There are millions of fans of Liverpool, but also football fans, not -fans, who will also be shocked by this. It is devastating, and it is really important that we keep in mind how difficult a period will be for his friends, for his family.”

Liverpool ‘Destroyed’

Within a few hours after breaking the news, flowers were laid outside of Anfield, where the club flag hung on half of the mast, in tribute to Jota, cards that refer to the singing of “Ooooh he is wearing no. 20” and “The Lad from Portugal.”

Liverpool said: “Liverpool Football Club was destroyed by the tragic death of Diogo Jota. The club has been informed that the 28-year-old died after a traffic accident in Spain together with his brother, Andre.

“Liverpool FC will not comment any further and the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff are asked to be respected if they try to process an unimaginable loss. We will continue to offer them with our full support.”

For four of his five years in Liverpool, Jota was managed by Jurgen Klopp, who described the Portugal memorable as the perfect signature for his side. Reflecting on his death, Klopp said: ‘This is a moment when I struggle! There must be a larger goal! But I can’t see it! I am deeply driven to hear about the death of Diogo and his brother Andre.

“Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a wonderful friend, a loving and caring husband and father! We will miss you so much! All my prayers, thoughts and strength to estimate, the children, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace.”

Stefan Bajcetic, who was on loan last season in Las Palmas, was the first of Jota’s teammates who posted and write a tribute on Instagram -stories: “You are reminded of my friend” In addition to a black -white photo of the CARE Training together. Darwin Nunez said “there were no words of comfort for so much pain. I will always remember you with your smile, like a good companion on and next to the field. I send all my strength to his family, where he is where he is certain that he will always be with you, especially for his wife and his three children.”

Anfield Legends also paid tribute, former defender Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports News that he was “just in a shock -state”. He added: “I just can’t believe it. For everyone, but especially his family – his wife and the children they have, it is devastating for all involved.

“I can only imagine how his teammates feel in Liverpool and Portugal, they have to be in a world of pain with his friends and family.”

Former Captain Steven Gerrard offered “Condolans to his family and friends during this incredibly sad time”, while Liverpool minority owner and Los Angeles Lakers -star LeBron James wrote: “My prayers go out to his loved ones in this time! You can all be led and protected! Ynwa [You’ll Never Walk Alone] From whom !! “

Andre’s Club Penafiel said: “The loss of two young lives coupled with the world of football fulfills us with pain and consternation. In this difficult time, Futebol Clube Penaphile expands his most genuine condolences to the family, friends and all those who have moments of life and passion for sport with Andre and Diogo.

‘Two men who represented FC Porto in an exemplary way’

Jota was born in Porto and spent a season on loan at the Portuguese Giants in 2016-17. Andre was also in the club, where he came through the youth ranks for more than six years from 2011. Their explanation was: “FC Porto is mourning.

Club president Andre-Villas Boas added: “This is a moment of in-depth coercion for the entire Porto fan base and for all Portuguese people. Two young men tragically lost their lives, two men who represent FC Porto in an exemplary way and not only remembered for their football, but also for their football, but still delegated and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and founded required, and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and and served required to be required to required required and and and and Some friends of Diogo and the family of Diogo and and and and and only from the family of Diogo and and the family of Diogo and and and somewhat derived from my participation.

On the international stage, Jota was a valuable and loved member of a Portugal team who had just won his Second Nations League title in six years, where he could be seen in both games. His international teammate Cristiano Ronaldo placed a tribute to his teammate on social media and wrote: “It is not logical. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married. To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my participation and wish them all the strength in the world.

Colleague Portugal International Ruben Neves said: “They say that we only lose people if we forget them. I will never forget you.”

Before moving to Liverpool, Jota was one of the stars of a Wolverhampton Wanderers-side who earned promotion to the Premier League and insured back-to-back seventh-installed finishes, their best placement since 1979-80. On July 25, 2019, Jota scored the first European goal of Wolves in 39 years in a 2-0 win over Northern Irish Club Crusaders and he would leave for Merseyside as a Molinux hero.

“We are deeply sad,” said Wolves. “Diogo was worshiped by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves. The memories he made will never be forgotten. Our hearts go to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother, Andre. You will really be missed, and always remembered.”