Joe Harker
Liverpool FC footballer Diogo Jota made a heartbreaking final social media post shortly before his tragic death in a car crash in Spain today (3 July).
Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in the early hours of this morning after their car went off the road and caught fire, resulting in the deaths of the footballers.
A statement from the Guardia Civil to Sky said: "A road accident occurred at 12.30am this morning at kilometre 65 of the A-52 motorway, in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora. A vehicle left the road and everything indicates a tyre burst while overtaking. As a result of the accident, the car caught fire and both people were killed.
"Pending the completion of forensic tests, one of the deceased has been identified as Diogo Jota, a Liverpool FC player, and his brother, Andre Felipe."
No other vehicles were involved in the incident.
Jota had just married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso after being engaged for three years, and only a few hours before his death, the couple shared a video of their special day.
Only days before that the Liverpool FC footballer had posted wedding pictures on social media with the caption 'yes to forever' and an infinity symbol.
Jota and Cardoso tied the knot on 22 June, the couple had three children.
Tributes to Jota and his brother have been coming in from around the world of football. He just recently won the Nations League with the Portuguese national team and made it to 49 caps for his country.
They said in a statement: "Diogo Jota was not only a fantastic player with almost 50 caps for the national team, but also an extraordinary person who was respected by all his teammates and opponents.
“He had a contagious joy and was a reference point in his own community.”
Jota and Cardoso had been together since 2013 and have three children, two sons and a daughter who was born in November last year.
In their wedding video post, the Liverpool footballer had called it 'a day we will never forget'.
The Portuguese Football Federation has offered their condolences to Diogo and Andre's family, as well as their respective clubs Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel.
They have submitted a request to UEFA for a minute's silence to be held ahead of Portugal's match against Spain in the Women’s European Championship.
"We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day," the football federation said.
Liverpool FC said in a statement: "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."