Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died following a car crash in Spain.
Jota and his brother Andre Silva, a fellow footballer, were driving on the A-52 in the province of Zamora on Thursday when their car came off the road.
Spanish police said that the pair’s Lamborghini left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking a car at around 12.30am local time and caught fire.
Jota had been travelling back to Merseyside by road ahead of reporting back for the start of pre-season training at the time of the fatal incident.
The Portugal international had married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children, just a fortnight ago during the close season.
The Reds said that they were ‘devastated’ by news of Jota’s sudden passing.
“The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre,” read a statement.
“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.”
Liverpool legend and club ambassador Sir Kenny Dalglish paid tribute to the late marksman on social media.
“Football is not important at this sad time,” he wrote.
“You feel helpless, knowing there’s so little we can do to ease the pain for his wife of just two weeks, his three beautiful children.
“Thinking and praying for all their loved ones after the devastating loss of both Diogo and Andre. YNWA.”
Jota’s ex-manager Jurgen Klopp, who signed him for Liverpool in 2020, joined the football world in marking his passing with an emotional post on Instagram.
He wrote: “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 a 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.”
UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer added: “I’m 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 it is really important we bear in mind just how difficult this will be for his friends and for his family.”