Steven Gerrard pays tribute to Diogo Jota after Liverpool star's devastating death

Steven Gerrard has paid his respects to the Diogo Jota, who has tragically lost his life in a car accident at the age of 28. His 26-year-old brother, Andre Silva, also died in the crash in the Zamora region of Spain. On Thursday morning, Liverpool FC released a statement paying tribute to the forward, which Gerrard shared and added his own message of support.

Writing on Instagram, the ex-Red said: "RIP Diogo [heartbroken emoji]. Condolences to his family and friends during this incredibly sad time." The official club statement read: "Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.

"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."

Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in September 2020 and played a crucial role in the club's Premier League title victory last season. He made 26 appearances and netted six goals.

Tributes have continued to flood in for the late Liverpool forward, as teammate Stefan Bajcetic shared a photo of the pair on his social media with the caption: "You will be remembered my friend."

Pedro Proenca, the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, has also expressed his sadness at the news and his support for Jota's family. He said: "The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva this early morning, in Spain.

"Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 international appearances for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself. On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and Andre Silva, as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where, respectively, they played their football.

"The Portuguese Football Federation has already asked Uefa for a minute's silence, this Thursday, before the match of our national team with Spain, in the women's European Championship. The loss of Diogo and Andre represent irreplaceable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything, daily, to honour their legacy."