Portsmouth send heartfelt message to Liverpool as Diogo Jota dies aged 28 in car crash
Portsmouth have offered their condolences following the passing of Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota.
Jota, 28, and his brother, Andre Silva, 26, were killed in a car crash in northwestern Spain in the early hours of Thursday morning, Spanish police confirmed.
Liverpool expressed their devastation at the shock news in a statement, requesting privacy as all connected “try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.”
Portsmouth offer thoughts
Jota began his career at FC Pacos de Ferreira, signing for Spanish club Atletico Madrid in 2016 before subsequent loans to Porto and Wolves.
Wolves made the move permanent in 2018, with the forward enjoying a brilliant two seasons under Nuno Espirito Santo in the Premier League.
With a ruthless finishing streak and frightening pace, Jota caught the eye of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, making the move in 2020 for around £41million.
A versatile forward, Jota made 182 appearances for the Reds across the front line, scoring 65 goals and providing 26 assists.
After winning the Premier League under the management of Arne Slot last season, the 28-year-old lifted the UEFA Nations League with Portugal for the second time – coming off the bench as Roberto Martinez’s team beat Spain on penalties.
Portsmouth took to X to offer their condolences to Liverpool.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Diogo’s family, friends and everyone connected with Liverpool at this very sad time.”
Jota had shared images on social media of his wedding day just two weeks ago, he tragically leaves behind his wife, Rute, along with their three children.
Jota’s death paints cruel reminder
In moments of tragic loss, football takes the backseat as the world mourns a man and a father, before a footballer.
Jota’s death serves as a cruel reminder of the fragility of life, and the ease in which it can be snatched away in an instant.
In football’s unrelenting cycle of transfer rumours, statistics and ever-increasing standards, such moments allow us to be thrown back towards the human reality of life.
Endless thoughts should be paid to the bereaved families, who have not lost a football player, but a brother, son, father, and husband.