July 3 (Reuters) – Following are quotes and reaction to the death of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota, 28, in a car crash near Zamora in northwestern Spain on Thursday:
“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
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“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.”
PORTUGAL PRIME MINISTER LUIS MONTENEGRO
“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.”
PORTUGAL AND AL-NASSR PLAYER CRISTIANO RONALDO
“It doesn’t make sense. We were together just recently in the national team, and you just got 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’ll always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. We’ll all miss you.”
FORMER LIVERPOOL CAPTAIN STEVEN GERRARD
“RIP Diogo. Condolences to his family and friends during this incredibly sad time.”
LA LAKERS PLAYER AND LIVERPOOL MINORITY OWNER LEBRON JAMES
“My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!!”
22-TIMES TENNIS GRAND SLAM CHAMPION RAFA NADAL
“What sad and painful news. All my love, affection and support go out to his wife, children, family and friends at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo Jota and Andre Silva.”
PREMIER LEAGUE
“Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo’s family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time.
“Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed. We will continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club.”
PORTUGUESE FOOTBALL FEDERATION
“The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva in Spain this morning.
“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…
“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.”
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
“We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves.
“The memories he created will never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother, Andre. You will be truly missed, and always remembered.”
FORMER LIVERPOOL PLAYER JAMIE CARRAGHER
“Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids.”
PORTUGAL AND AL-HILAL MIDFIELDER RUBEN NEVES
“They say that we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you.”
EUROPEAN SOCCER GOVERNING BODY UEFA
“On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother Andre Silva.
“Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.”
LIVERPOOL PLAYER STEFAN BAJCETIC
“You will be remembered my friend.”
FC PORTO
“FC Porto is in mourning.
“It is with shock and deep regret that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks.
“Rest in peace.”
Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru Editing by Christian Radnedge, Alexandra Hudson
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
