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Liverpool coach Arne Slot has released an official statement following the tragic death of forward Diogo Jota in a car accident. The Reds star and his brother, Andre, passed away while travelling in the northern district of Spain on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
Major stalwarts from the football world mourned the death of Diogo Jota, including his current and former teammates, coaches, and compatriots. Icons like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar Jr also shared their condolences for Jota and his family. As per BBC, Diogo Jota and his brother's Lamborghini caught fire due to a tyre blowout while overtaking shortly after midnight in the Zamora province in north-east Spain.
In an official statement shared via Liverpool's official website, coach Arne Slot shared a statement reacting to Jota's death, with condolences for his family. The statement said:
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"What to say? What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw? I wish I had the words, but I know I do not. All I have are feelings that I know so many people will share about a person and a player we loved dearly and a family we care so much about."
Slot continued:
"My first thoughts are not those of a football manager. They are of a father, a son, a brother and an uncle and they belong to the family of Diogo and Andre Silva who have experienced such an unimaginable loss. My message to them is very clear – you will never walk alone. The players, the staff, the supporters of Liverpool Football Club are all with you and from what I have seen today, the same can be said of the wider family of football."
Diogo Jota married his partner, Rute Cardoso, a week before the tragic incident on June 22. The couple had three children. Jota's brother, Andre, followed in his brother's footsteps into professional football and played Portuguese second division side, Penafiel.
Liverpool coach Arne Slot recalls the last conversation he had with Diogo Jota
In his official statement, Arne Slot also shared the last time he spoke to Diogo Jota, following his triumph in the UEFA Nations League. Jota was a part of Portugal's squad, which lifted their second Nations League title earlier this month. Slot 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."
Slot also recalled the special song Reds fans sung for Jota, and added:
"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."
In the last season, Jota made 37 appearances for Liverpool, recording nine goals and four assists across competitions. He was a part of the club's 2024-25 Premier League winning squad.
