Liverpool fans have flocked to Anfield to pay tribute to Diogo Jota after the Portugal star passed away following a car accident in Spain early on Thursday morning
Steven Gerrard has led the tributes to Diogo Jota while Liverpool fans have gathered at Anfield to pay their respects following the devastating news of the forward’s passing.
Reports from Spain on Thursday morning broke the news of Jota’s death following a car accident. Liverpool later confirmed in an official club statement that Jota had passed away at the age of 28 alongside his younger brother, Andre, 26.
Tributes have poured in from around the world for Jota, who joined Liverpool from Wolves back in 2020.
And Gerrard was among them in the aftermath of the heartbreaking news. The former Liverpool captain wrote: “RIP Diogo. Condolonces to to his family and friends during this incredibly sad time.”
Darwin Nunez, Jota’s Liverpool team-mate, also shared an emotional tribute to the Portugal international.
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He posted pictures of himself and Jota on Instagram with the message: “There are no words of comfort for so much pain.
“I will always remember you with your smile, as a good companion on and off the field.
“I send all my strength to his family, from where he is I’m sure he will always be with you, especially his wife and three children.
“May he rest in peace. Diogo and Andre.”
While team-mates and other football figures have taken to social media, Liverpool fans have journeyed to Anfield to leave tributes for a player who was adored on Merseyside.
Gutted John Wilson, 69, came down to Anfield wearing his LFC red baseball cap with a friend after hearing the sad news. He said: “I was shocked. I was one of those players you could not take your eye off when he was on the pitch. We just wanted to pay our respects to a great man and family man. His family will be so heartbroken.”
Deputy PM Angela Rayner has arrived at Anfield to pay tribute to Diogo Jota. She laid flowers saying her thoughts were with his family and children.
Manchester United fan Joe Parsons laid his club scarf at the growing memorial to Jota as he visited with wife Kelly, a Liverpool fan.
Joe, 40, said: “After I put the scarf down it was amazing how many Liverpool fans shook my hand. This isn’t about club rivalry, I had to show my respects. It’s a loss to the the whole city.
“I live in the city. I’ve seen tributes from Everton and Rangers too. It’s the football community coming together.
“My wife’s a Liverpool fan. I got a notification on my phone and turned the TV on. We were in shock. I feel so sorry for his wife and kids. It’s devastating for them.”
Wife Kelly, 40, said: “I had to come. Liverpool is my religion. The lad had just got married. My son is 22 and it makes you think this could happen at any time.
“He was just too young. I’ve never known a Liverpool player die so young. It’s no age, that’s what’s hurt me.”
Denise Cook, 50, travelled three-and-a-half miles on her mobility scooter to lay flowers.
She said: “I’ve been coming to Anfield for 50 years. I just felt in my heart I had to come.
“Show some red to him and his young family. He was only just married and they are all so young. I feel for his family.”