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Jurgen Klopp 'heartbroken, struggling' to process Diogo Jota's death: 'Can’t see the bigger purpose'
Diogo Jota passed away alongside his brother in a car accident in Spain in the early hours of Thursday.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said he was left "heartbroken" and "struggled" to process the death of Diogo Jota at the age of 28. The former Liverpool forward passed away alongside his brother in a car accident in Spain in the early hours of Thursday.
Klopp was instrumental in Jota's arrival at Anfield from Wolves in a £45million deal in September 2020, and the German molded the Portuguese into a world-class player during their partnership in Liverpool.
Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, died in Spain's northern province of Zamora after their vehicle veered off a motorway and burst into flames in the early hours of Thursday. Jota is survived by his partner, Rute Cardoso, whom he married on June 22, and their three children.
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Taking to Instagram, Klopp shared moments from their Liverpool journey as he wrote: "This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can’t see it!
"I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother André. Diogo was a not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father!
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"We will miss you so much! All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace - Love J."
Earlier, Liverpool led the tributes for Jota, as the club released a heartbreaking 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.”
It is yet not clear who was driving the Lamborghini as police continue their investigation into the cause of the accident while the bodies are undergoing forensic analysis.
“The car was incinerated, and they died inside,” Spanish government official Ángel Blanco said.
Spanish media released footage from the crash site, showing skid marks leading off the road towards broken guardrails, with the charred vehicle lying several meters away.
