Diogo Jota dead aged 28: Liverpool and Portuguese forward passes away in a car accident in Zamora, Spain

I think this tells you all you need to know about Diogo Jota.

A Liverpool fan has posted a video that was sent by the Portugal forward back in 2021 in support of his young son who was going through a rough time.

Out of the kindness and generosity of his own heart, Jota filmed a video to wish him well, and let him know that everyone at Liverpool was behind him, before giving some tips on how he keeps himself on track.

Such a kind gesture that could easily go unnoticed, but one that has made at least one fan happier than Jota could ever know.

Thank you for everything Diogo Jota.

Rest in peace: 1996-2015

CHRIS SUTTON:

Jota arrived in England without the profile and headlines of some of his Portugal team-mates but within the game he was one who was always highly respected and highly regarded.

Not just for his ability as a finisher but also as player who could do the lot and be super versatile. He could play as a No 9, in behind, out in wide areas, and was always really consistent.

For more of Mail Sport columnist CHRIS SUTTON's tribute to the versatile Jota, clink the link below.

Diogo Jota was so much more than just a finisher, writes CHRIS SUTTON

CHRIS SUTTON: Diogo Jota arrived in England without the profile and headlines of some of his Portugal team-mates but within the game he was always highly respected and highly regarded.

We mentioned earlier that Portugal are taking on Spain in the Women's Euros tonight, where a minute's silence was held ahead of kick off.

Several fans inside the stadium in Bern are also paying tribute to the Liverpool favourite, with photos of the star and messages of support for the family on display.

One said: 'Muito Mais Que Futebol. Familia Diogo-Andre', which translates as: Much more than football. Diogo-Andre's family.'

We mentioned earlier in the blog that Culture Minister Nandy had sent out her condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and Andre, but UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also added a few words of his own when speaking today:

Let me start with Jota because this is devastating news. I am sure I speak for everyone in saying our first thoughts are going to be with his family and his friends in particular.

There are millions of Liverpool fans but also football fans and non-fans who will also be shocked by this.

It is devastating and really important we bear in mind just how difficult a period this will be for his friends and for his family.

Another hugely emotional and touching tribute towards Diogo Jota, this time from Andy Robertson.

The left back has some beautiful words for his colleague.

The ones I’m thinking about most right now are the family. Their loss is too much to bear. I’m so sorry that they have lost two such precious souls – Diogo and Andre. For the team and the Club, we’ll try to cope with this together… however long that takes.

For me, I want to talk about my mate. My buddy. The bloke I loved and will miss like crazy. I could talk about him as a player for hours, but none of that feels like it matters right now. It’s the man. The person. He was such a good guy. The best. So genuine. Just normal and real. Full of love for the people he cared about. Full of fun.

He was the most British foreign player I’ve ever met. We used to joke he was really Irish… I’d try to claim him as Scottish, obviously. I even called him Diogo MacJota. We’d watch the darts together, enjoy the horse racing. Going to Cheltenham this season was a highlight - one of the best we had.

The last time I saw him was the happiest day of his life – his wedding day. I want to remember his never-ceasing smile from that magical day. How much he was bursting with love for his wife and family.

I can’t believe we’re saying goodbye. It’s too soon, and it hurts so much. But thank you for being in my life, mate – and for making it better. Love you, Diogo.❤️

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is set to cut his holiday short and return to Liverpool early following the tragic death of team-mate Diogo Jota, according to a report.

Salah has been enjoying a summer break after winning the Premier League and Golden Boot last season with the Reds in a year that saw him score 34 goals in all competitions.

According to Turkiye Today, he has been relaxing in Bodrum, Turkey, while he was also seen on holiday in Mombasa, Kenya, and in Mykonos, Greece. He has shared a number of photos from his break on social media.

Mohamed Salah 'will cut his holiday short' after Diogo Jota death

Liverpool, meanwhile, are due back for pre-season in a matter of days, with Arne Slot's Premier League champions set to report for training on July 8. Some of the players are still on holiday.

Arne Slot has also spoken this evening, releasing an emotional statement via Liverpool's club website.

Within it, the Dutchman describes Jota as 'a person and a player we loved dearly' before he later calls the forward a 'loved one to all of us'.

He added further heartfelt words:

I could say so much about what he brought to our team but the truth is everyone who watched Diogo play could see it. Hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, goals. The essence of what a Liverpool player should be.

The last time we spoke, I congratulated Diogo on winning the Nations League and wished him luck for his forthcoming wedding. In many ways, it was a dream summer for Diogo and his family, which makes it all the more heartbreaking that it should end like this.

When the time is right, we will celebrate Diogo Jota, we will remember his goals and we will sing his song. For the time being, we will remember him as a unique human being and mourn his loss. He will never be forgotten.

You can read Slot's full statement below...

Liverpool manager Arne Slot gives heartfelt tribute to Diogo Jota

Jota, along with his brother Andre, 26, were pronounced dead on Thursday morning after a car crash that saw a tyre on his lamborghini blow out while he was overtaking another car.

Mail Sport's Merseyside football reporter LEWIS STEELE:

The final time I had the pleasure of dealing with Diogo Jota was in the bowels of Munich’s Allianz Arena a few weeks ago for the Nations League finals, which Portugal won.

He was walking with his nation’s greatest son Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva and was asked for an interview by a couple of us reporters. He stretched out his palms and gave a look to say: ‘Why would you want to speak to me?’

That was Diogo Jota.

For more of LEWIS STEELE's touching and powerful tribute to a modern-day Liverpool hero, click the link below.

Diogo Jota was a genuine gentleman and his legacy must be remembered

LEWIS STEELE: The final time I had the pleasure of dealing with Diogo Jota was in the bowels of Munich's Allianz Arena a few weeks ago for the Nations League finals, which Portugal won.

Liverpool executives Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes have released a statement this evening paying tribute to Diogo Jota.

The pair have also expressed their heartfelt support and condolences to the player's family and promised to 'honour our beloved number 20'.

Here is what they said in full:

There is nothing that we can say in this moment to ease the pain of such a devastating tragedy. We all feel utterly bereft right now.

In such heartbreaking circumstances, it is our responsibility to acknowledge the collective grief we are experiencing, to pay tribute to our Diogo, and to offer unwavering support to his family who remain our absolute priority at this time.

Diogo’s wife, Rute, their three beautiful children, his parents and wider family are facing an unimaginable loss. This tragic accident has taken not only Diogo, but also his brother, Andre Silva. We mourn them both equally. We must respect the family’s privacy and give them the space to grieve in whichever way they need.

Of course, we – his Liverpool family – are also struggling to come to terms with what has happened. As his teammates, friends and colleagues, we are consumed by shock and sorrow. We know our supporters, his national team, former clubs and teammates and the wider football community share in this grief. This is a tragedy that transcends Liverpool Football Club.

In the coming days, we as a club will look to honour our beloved number 20 with the respect and affection he so richly deserves. We will strive to make these tributes meaningful and inclusive of our supporters, to whom Diogo meant so much.

For now, we express a love that is filled with deep sorrow and pain. We have lost someone truly irreplaceable.

Rest in peace, Diogo.YNWA