Diogo Jota and brother's bodies arrive at church as mourners gather

Irish Daily Mirror

a day ago

Irish football fans are in mourning after the tragic passing of Liverpool's star Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who died in a horrific car accident in Spain on Thursday. Their bodies were escorted to a church, in Jota's hometown of Gondomar near Porto, amidst a crowd of sorrowful mourners ahead of this weekend's funerals.
Emergency teams arrived promptly at the scene but tragically could not save the brothers from the fiery wreckage. Tributes have been flooding in from all corners of the soccer community since the tragic news was confirmed.
Liverpool issued an array of moving tributes, while colleagues and former teammates expressed their profound sympathies. Meanwhile, plans are being drawn up for an official send-off for the pair.
On Thursday night, hearses delivered their bodies to the church, where early mourners had already congregated to honour the pair, with more expected on Friday.
Rev. Jose Manuel Macedo confirmed the scheduling of a private wake in the town on Friday starting at 8am in Capela de Ressurreicao, and a funeral service on Saturday at 10am at the local Igreja Matriz catholic church, reports the Mirror.
"We're available to celebrate [their life] with everyone and to share the pain and the Christian hope," stated Macedo in comments to CNN.
Jota's agent, Jorge Mendes, was among those who accompanied the star's mother at the funeral home. Overcome with emotion, he said: "We lost two great people. Diogo is an example as a person, husband, son, professional. I still can't believe it, it's very difficult."
The funerals of both men is scheduled to take place just half an hour away from Porto, Portugal. This is also where the 28 year old footballer married Rute Cardoso just a fortnight ago.
Ahead of the wake, Gondomar Town Hall released a statement expressing their deepest condolences: "Gondomar Town Hall expresses its deepest sympathy at the death of international footballer Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, illustrious Gondomar residents who left prematurely, leaving behind a remarkable sporting career and an example of dedication and professionalism.
"Throughout his career, Diogo Jota stood out for his footballing talent and for the committed way in which he always represented the region and the country, winning national and international recognition.
"At this time of sorrow and consternation, Gondomar Town Hall extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of these two Gondomar residents.
"In tribute, the Mayor of Gondomar, Luis Filipe Araujo, has decreed by official order a day of municipal mourning to be observed this Friday, 4 July. During this period, the municipal flag will be flown at half-mast in all municipal buildings and facilities."
Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother were driving to catch a ferry from Santander back to the UK after being advised by doctors not to fly, however they never made it to their destination after being involved in the tragic accident. The Reds are set to return for pre-season testing on Monday, but will instead pay tribute to their star, as confirmed by Liverpool boss Arne Slot in an emotional statement.
He said: "The last time we spoke, I congratulated Diogo on winning the Nations League and wished him luck for his forthcoming wedding. In many ways, it was a dream summer for Diogo and his family, which makes it all the more heartbreaking that it should end like this.
"When I first came to the club, one of the first songs I got to know was the one that our fans sing for Diogo. I had not worked with him previously but I knew straight away that if the Liverpool supporters, who have seen so many great players over the years, had such a unique chant for Diogo, he must have special qualities.
"That we have lost those qualities in such terrible circumstances is something we have not yet come to terms with. For this reason, we need everyone at the club to stand together and to be there for one another. We owe this to Diogo, to Andre Silva, to their wider family and to ourselves."
Tributes have flooded in from players, supporters and clubs across the country, after news of his tragic death. "My condolences go to Diogo's wife, Rute, their three beautiful children and to the parents of Diogo and Andre Silva.
"When the time is right, we will celebrate Diogo Jota, we will remember his goals and we will sing his song. For the time being, we will remember him as a unique human being and mourn his loss.
"He will never be forgotten. ".
As a mark of respect, flags were lowered to half-mast at both Anfield and Molineux, while fans flocked to the grounds to pay their respects with flowers, scarves and other poignant gestures.