Further details have been released regarding Diogo Jota’s fatal car crash, including pictures of his vehicle.
The 28-year-old Liverpool and Portugal star sadly passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning, per Sky News, in a devastating accident that also claimed the life of his brother, Andre Silva.
According to the BBC, Spain’s Guardia Civil confirmed that Jota and Silva were overtaking in a Lamborghini when a tire reportedly blew out, causing the car to catch fire. Both brothers sadly lost their lives at the scene.
The tragedy came just two weeks after Jota married his long-term girlfriend, Rute Cardoso, in a beautiful ceremony in Porto.
Jota and Cardoso share three children.
BBC Sport reported that Jota had been advised not to fly back to England for preseason training with Liverpool due to a minor surgery he recently had.
The star was driving back to the ferry in Santander, Northern Spain, when the accident happened.
He had previously done the journey in reverse to get to his wedding destination.
The accident occurred at around 00:30 hours in Zamora, at kilometre 65 of the A-52 motorway, as the brothers headed away from Portugal.
Jota and Silva’s family traveled to the Institute of Legal Medicine in Zamora to identify the bodies.
To legally confirm the identification, DNA tests have been sent to Madrid for analysis.
Fans have gathered at Anfield in Liverpool to mourn the loss of Jota, and tributes have been laid.
The news has sent shockwaves across the world, with many of his friends and colleagues paying their respects online.
Cristiano Ronaldo wrote: “Doesn’t make any sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you were married.
“To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.”
Jürgen Klopp, the manager who brought Jota to Anfield, posted: “This is a moment where I struggle!
“There must be a bigger purpose, but I can’t see it! I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre.
“Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father. We will miss you so much.
“All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace – Love J.”
Liverpool FC shared their own statement: “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.”
Jota’s legacy at Liverpool will never be forgotten, having helped the club lift the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, and the Community Shield.
He had lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy with Portugal on June 8.
Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time.
