Jurgen Klopp says he has been left “heartbroken” by the sudden death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota.
The 28-year-old and his brother, Andre Silva, perished in a car accident after midnight local time in northwestern Spain.
Authorities say the car, a Lamborghini, veered off the road due to a burst tyre and burst into flames, killing both men. A Spanish government source told the PA agency it is being investigated as “a possible speeding incident”.
The accident happened just 11 days after Jota married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children.
Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool teammates ‘heartbroken’ by death of Diogo Jota
Klopp, who was manager of Liverpool when the club signed Jota from Wolves in 2020, paid tribute to his former player in a post on Instagram, calling him a “great friend, a loving and caring husband and father”.
“This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose, but I can’t see it,” the German wrote.
“I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre. Diogo was 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.”
Diogo Jota – Football mourns shocking loss of Liverpool star and brother Andre Silva
Liverpool teammate Darwin Nunez says there are “no words of comfort for so much pain”. The Uruguayan striker added: “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.”
View this post on Instagram
Spanish youngster Stefan Bajcetic shared an image of the pair in training, captioned: “You will always be remembered my friend.”
Read – Diogo Jota: Spanish police confirm details of tragic car crash
See Also – Cristiano Ronaldo pays tribute to late Diogo Jota and Andre Silva