Diogo Jota: The heartbreaking last message Liverpool star publicly sent wife, Rute Cardoso, before his death
The heartbreaking news comes only 11 days after Jota married his childhood sweetheart in a joyful ceremony in Porto, Portugal, surrounded by their families and three children.
In what now reads as a poignant final tribute, Jota responded to a post from Cardoso on Instagram, where she celebrated their wedding with the words: 'My dream came true.'
The 28-year-old replied with a simple yet moving message:
'
But I'm the lucky one.'
Only a day ago, Cardoso posted their wedding video on Instagram with the caption: 'A day we will never forget'.
The video shows the couple preparing for their big day, sharing stolen glances, and dancing the night away with friends and family.
Over the footage, a voice narrates words that now carry a heartbreaking weight:
'Dear Rute, Dear Diogo...today is a day that will mark your lives for the rest of your days. This is the only day that you have been able to get together at the same time in the same place with your family and friends to celebrate what truly matters, which is love.'
After nine years of dating, the couple got engaged in 2022 and tied the knot three years later. They share three children together – two sons and a daughter.
The Spanish civil guard confirmed that Jota and his brother Andre Silva, 25, were found dead after their Lamborghini left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking near the city of Zamora.
It said that the accident happened in the early hours of Thursday. According to the statement, 'the car caught on fire and the two occupants were killed.'
Police were investigating the causes. They said there were no other vehicles involved.
Silva was a player in Portugal's second division.
Winning the Premier League with his English club in May, Jota scored six goals in 26 games on the way to claiming the title.
Then in June, he represented his country in the Nations league final against Spain, coming off the bench in extra time.
His side won 5-3 in penalties after the match was drawn 2-2.
He had represented his country 49 times.
Liverpool Football Club has since released a statement expressing grief over the tragic circumstances.
'Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,' the club said on social media.
'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.'
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