'Unimaginable loss' - Liverpool release statement after tragic death of Diogo Jota

Jota was killed along with his brother Andre in a car accident in Zamora, north-western Spain, shortly after midnight on Thursday. Liverpool released a short statement on their website reacting to the tragedy.

"Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota," read the statement. "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 scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the Reds after joining from Wolves for £41m in 2020. He netted six times last season to help Arne Slot's side win the Premier League title and was heavily involved in the club's celebrations. He also lifted the FA Cup, Community Shield and the Carabao Cup twice with Liverpool.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher wrote on Instagram: "Absolutely devastated by the sad news about Diogo Jota. Thoughts are with his wife Rute and their three kids."

Former Reds striker Stan Collymore wrote on X: "I'm sure like many in the football family there's just a profound sense of shock, sadness and disbelief at the news of Diogo Jota's death at the unfathomably young age of 28. Newly married too. Sending my deepest condolences to his family and friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club. Devastating."