'My heart is breaking' - Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk in 'total disbelief' at tragic death of Diogo Jota aged 28

Jota had and his younger brother Andre Silva were headed to catch a ferry in the Northwest of Spain, so Jota could return for pre-season training. He was unable to fly, as per doctor's orders, after an operation on his lungs.

Local police confirmed the car caught fire after it left the road, likely due to a blown tyre.

Van Dijk is one of many voices in the game, and wider society, that have left tributes to Jota. His international teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, ex- Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and the Reds' current boss Arne Slot have all shared messages of condolences for Jota's family. The 28-year-old is survived by three children, and his wife Rute. The couple had been married for just two weeks before this untimely and horrifying incident.

Van Dijk posted on Instagram: "Man, I can’t believe it, I don’t wanna believe it. Absolutely devastated and in total disbelief.

"What a human being, what a player, but most importantly what an unbelievable family man.

"You meant so much to all of us and you always will! For your family to lose two sons, a husband and a father is just unimaginable. So cruel and unfair. My heart is breaking for all of your beautiful family, for Rute and for your kids. I promise you that in these difficult times and beyond we will always be there for your family.

"A champion forever, number 20 forever. It’s been a privilege to have stood by your side on the pitch, and to have been your friend off it.

"We will miss you beyond words and never forget you. Your legacy will live on, we will make sure of it!

"Rest in perfect peace Diogo & André."

Van Dijk and Jota were teammates since 2020, playing a total of 131 games together for the Reds. During their joint tenure, Liverpool lifted an FA Cup, two League Cups, and a record-equalling 20th English league title.