Liverpool Star Diogo Jota, 28, Dies in Tragic Crash

GARY NEVILLE and Piers Morgan led the tributes to Diogo Jota after the shock death of the Liverpool star.

Portugal forward Jota tragically died in a car crash while in Spain, just weeks after getting married.

7 Tributes have been paid to Diogo Jota following his tragic death Credit: Reuters

7 Jota helped Liverpool win the Premier League title in May Credit: Reuters

Jota's death has rocked the world of football , with the 28-year-old an important part of Liverpool's title win last season.

And tributes have now been paid to the ace, whose brother also died in the tragic car crash.

Manchester United legend and Sky Sports pundit Neville said: “That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother.

“All my love and best wishes to his family.”

Arsenal fan and broadcaster Morgan added: “Desperately sad news coming out of Spain that Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota, 28, has died, along with his brother, in a car accident in Zamora.

“He only got married 2 weeks ago. Heart-breaking.”

Jota’s club Liverpool confirmed the news in an emotional statement.

It read: “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.

“The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.

“Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.

“We will continue to provide them with our full support.”

Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher posted on Instagram: “Absolutely devastated by the sad news about Diogo Jota.

“Thoughts are with his wife Rute and their three kids.”

Newcastle hero Alan Shearer added: “Heartbreaking.”

Cristiano Ronaldo posted online: "It doesn't make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had 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."

Various clubs paid tributes to Jota, with Manchester United tweeting:” Our deepest condolences are with the loved ones of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, and everyone connected with Liverpool FC following today’s heartbreaking news.”

Everton posted: “We are devastated by this tragic news. Everyone at Everton is sending their thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and Andre Silva.”

Jota’s former side Wolves posted: “We are heartbroken.

“Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves. The memories he created will never be forgotten.

“Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother, Andre.

“You will be truly missed, and always remembered.”

7 Tributes were paid outside Anfield Credit: PA

Man City wrote online: “Everyone at Manchester City is shocked and saddened to learn about the devastating news regarding the passing of Diogo Jota.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo.”

Arsenal said: “The thoughts of everyone at Arsenal are with Diogo’s family, friends and all associated with Liverpool Football Club. Rest in peace, Diogo.”

Chelsea added: “Everyone at Chelsea FC is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre.

“Our thoughts go out to their family, friends and all at Liverpool FC at this incredibly difficult time.”

Jota’s ex-Liverpool teammate Xherdan Shaqiri said: “RIP brother.”

Arsenal’s Declan Rice noted: “So so sad. Heartbreaking! RIP to Diogo and his brother Andre.

“Sending love and condolences to his family.”

Man City’s Jack Grealish added: “Honestly lost for words. So heartbreaking.

“My thoughts go out to his whole family. The worst news. RIP Diogo and Andre.”

Man Utd’s Mason Mount said: “Absolutely devastating news. Rest in peace Diogo and Andre. Deepest condolences and thoughts are with the family.”

Former England goalie David Seaman noted: “Such a devastating loss. My deepest condolences to his family.”

Ex-Portugal boss Fernando Santos also paid tribute, saying: “I am shocked, speechless. It is a very sad moment for the family.

“It is a sad moment for everyone, especially for those who worked with him because everyone liked him.”

7 Jota had also just won the Nations League with Portugal Credit: Getty

7 He first made his name in England with Wolves Credit: Shutterstock Editorial

Former Man Utd star David De Gea posted online: “Sometimes life is very cruel.”

And ex-Red Devil Rio Ferdinand added: “Absolutely heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to Diogo Jota, Andre Silva, their family and friends.”

Jota’s former club Porto said: “Porto is in mourning.

“It is with shock and deep regret that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his family Andre Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks. Rest in peace.”

Fellow Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon tweeted: “The world of football has become poorer.

“Sporting expresses its condolences at the death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.

“Deepest condolences to the entire family at this difficult time.”

Meanwhile, talkSPORT pundit Ray Parlour said: “Sad day, RIP Diogo Jota and Andre Silva.”

Real Madrid icon Iker Casillas added: “RIP.”

Fan favourite Chris Kamara said: “Oh no! What a player and a lovely man as well.

“This is horrific news. Thoughts are with all his family, friends and football fans everywhere who all admired Diogo.”

Darts hero Stephen Bunting also paid tribute, saying: “Such sad news I’m hearing. RIP Diogo Jota. What a lovely person.

“Such a sad day for the football world and beyond. Only just married too.

“My heart goes out to the family and we are all sending our prayers.”

Ex-Premier League star Ashley Young declared: “RIP Diogo Jota and Andre Silva, so sad to hear.”

7 Jota only got married the other week

7 He leaves behind three children too

TNT Sports presenter Laura Woods added: “Rest in peace Diogo and Andre.

“My condolences to his friends and family, the strength they will need now.

“I can’t imagine losing one son, let alone two. My god, absolutely tragic.”

Jota’s former Wolves teammate Ruben Neves posted: “They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget!”

Another former Wolves teammate, Raul Jimenez, posted on Instagram: "It's hard to receive this kind of news, and I still can't believe it. An excellent colleague, friend, and above all, a great father.

“Thanks for everything, my friend. We'll always remember you. A hug to heaven. R.I.P."

Ivan Cavaleiro, who played at Wolves with Jota, noted: “A huge shock for all of us, lots of strength to family and friends.”

Helder Costa, another former teammate, added: “No words, rest in peace Jota.”

Former Real Madrid and Portugal star Pepe said: “A premature and painful loss that leaves us all poorer — as colleagues, as friends and as football lovers.

"In this moment of deep grief, I send my most sincere condolences to their family, friends and all those who loved them. May they find strength in the love and memories they left behind,”

Meanwhile, Portugal Prime Minister Luis Montenegro paid tribute by saying: “The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured the name of Portugal, and his brother is unexpected and tragic.

“I leave the family my deepest condolences. It's a sad day for football and for national and international sport.”

The Portuguese Football Federation revealed they have requested a minute’s silence for Jota and his brother ahead of the nation’s Women’s Euros clash against Spain today.

President Pedro Proenca said: "The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the death of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva, this morning, in Spain.

“Much more than a fantastic player, with almost 50 caps for the National Team A, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his teammates and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference in his own community.

“On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and Andre Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where the players played, respectively.

“The Portuguese Football Federation has already asked UEFA for a minute's silence this Thursday, before our national team's match against Spain in the Women's European Championship.

“We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day."

Uefa also released a statement, saying: “On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother Andre Silva.

“Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.”