Liverpool forward Jota dies in car crash

By Agencies

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died in a car crash, aged 28.

The Portugal forward’s brother Andre Silva also died in the accident, which took place in the Spanish province of Zamora.

The 26-year-old was also a professional footballer, with Portuguese second-tier club Penafiel.

The Guardia Civil has told BBC Sport that Jota and his brother died at about 00:30 local time on Thursday.

They said that their car, a Lamborghini, left the road due to a tyre blow-out while overtaking another vehicle and then caught fire.

Jota married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children, just last month.

He recently posted pictures on social media, external of the ceremony, which took place on 22 June.

Jota helped Liverpool win the Premier League title last season and also played for Portugal as they beat Spain in the final of the Nations League in June.

“The Portuguese Football Federation (FPT) and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated,” said Pedro Proenca, head of the FPT.

“Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 international appearances for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all team-mates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.”

Sources: BBC Football