Diogo Jota Tributes From LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo & Others After Liverpool & Portugal Soccer Player Dies In Car Accident At 28
The cause of the accident is not entirely clear, but local police report the driver lost control after one of the car's rear tires was punctured. The car then burst into flames, and firefighters extinguished a blaze that extended across the local countryside.
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Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020. He scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club. He won the Premier League title and the FA Cup with Liverpool and the Championship title with Wolves in 2018. He was a two-time winner of the Nations League with Portugal.
Jota's former Liverpool manager, Jürgen Klopp, and Portuguese teammate Cristiano Ronaldo led tributes from across the sports world this afternoon. Klopp signed Jota from Wolves in 2020 and managed him for four seasons.
'I'm heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother André,' Klopp said in a statement. '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! Rest in peace – Love.'
Ronaldo said in a social media statement: 'Doesn't make any sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married. To your family, to your wife, your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and André. We will all miss you.'
NBA vet LeBron James, who has a stake in Liverpool's owner, Fenway Sports Group, wrote in a social post: 'My prayers go out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA [You'll Never Walk Alone] JOTA!!'
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Liverpool Football Club said in an official statement that it was 'devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,' adding that it hopes '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.'
Portugal's prime minister, Luís Montenegro, wrote on social media: 'The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal's name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic. I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football and for national and international sports.'
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