The world of football is united in grief following the devastating news of the passing of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva. Tributes have poured in from across the globe as players, fans, and the wider football community come to terms with the loss of a player admired not only for his exceptional talent but also for his humility, warmth, and character.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot, speaking with visible emotion, paid tribute to Jota, reflecting on the person behind the player and the profound impact he had both on and off the pitch.

"What can anyone truly say at a time like this?"

Slot began. "The shock, the pain, the disbelief, it’s difficult to find the words. But what I do know is how loved Diogo was by all of us at Liverpool and beyond. He wasn’t just a player; he was a teammate, a friend, and a part of the Liverpool family."

Slot, who shared one Premier League title-winning season with Jota, described the Portuguese international as “the embodiment of what a Liverpool player should be hard-working, committed, full of desire, with great quality and a humility that endeared him to everyone.”

"My thoughts are not only those of a football manager. They are those of a father, a son, a brother, and an uncle. My heart goes out to Diogo and André's family, to his wife Rute, their three beautiful children, and to their parents. Their loss is unimaginable, and their pain is shared by all of us," he added.

Slot also spoke of Jota's character beyond the field, describing him as someone who “never sought popularity but earned it anyway; a friend to all, someone who made others feel good simply by being himself.” He recalled their last conversation, in which he congratulated Jota on winning the Nations League and expressed joy at his upcoming wedding plans, underscoring how this summer had been filled with promise and happiness for the family making the loss all the more heartbreaking.

"One of the first songs I learned after arriving at this club was the chant our supporters sing for Diogo. I hadn’t worked with him yet, but it was clear how special he was to the fans, to the club, and to this city," Slot shared.

In his closing remarks, Slot urged unity within the Liverpool community during this difficult time: “We must stand together. For Diogo, for Andre, for their family, and for each other. When the time is right, we will celebrate his life, his achievements, and his unforgettable contribution to Liverpool Football Club. Until then, we mourn the loss of an extraordinary human being.”

You will never be forgotten!

Source / Image Credit : Sky Sports