Cristiano Ronaldo posts tribute to Portugal teammate Diogo Jota after his death in car crash

Cristiano Ronaldo has paid tribute to Portugal teammate Diogo Jota after the 28-year-old Liverpool player and his brother André died in a car crash this morning (3 July).

Police confirmed that a car with Jota and his brother had crashed off the A-52 road in Spain, with their investigation indicating that a tyre on the car burst.

The car went off the road and caught fire, Diogo and André both died as a result of the incident, and Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has taken to social media to pay tribute to both fellow footballers.

He wrote: "It doesn't make sense. We were just together in the national team, and you had just gotten married.

"To your family, your wife and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them.

"Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you."

Jota and Ronaldo had just won the Nations League together, with Portugal having defeated Spain in a penalty shoot out to claim the European trophy.

In his club career, Jota played for Liverpool FC, who have also released a statement paying tribute to his memory.

They said: "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."

Former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher also paid tribute to Jota, saying: "Just in a state of shock. Not with anyone associated to Liverpool but football in general. It is one of the few times when the football family all come together.

"I just cannot believe it. For everybody involved but especially his family – his wife and the children they’ve got, it’s devastating for all involved.

"I can only imagine how his team-mates feel at Liverpool and Portugal, they must be in a world of pain with his friends and family."

Jota had only just got married the previous month to long-term partner Rute Cardoso, the couple had three children together and had wed on 22 June.