Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp wrote a moving tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who died in a car crash early Thursday morning.
Klopp, who coached Jota for four seasons at Liverpool, said Thursday he was “heartbroken” by the news.
“This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can’t see it!” Klopp posted on Instagram. “I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre.
“Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father! We will miss you so much! All my prayers, thoughts and power to [Diogo’s wife] Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace — Love.”
Jota and Silva, also a professional soccer player, were found dead after their car went off a road on a highway in Zamora, a province in northwest Spain.
The 28-year-old Jota, from Portugal, joined Liverpool in 2020, playing under Klopp until the manager left the team in May 2024.
Before Liverpool, Jota played for Wolves (2017-21) and Portuguese teams Paços (2014-16) and Porto (2016-17).
Current Liverpool manager Arne Slot spoke on the tragedy as well, calling the accident an “unimaginable loss.”
“What to say? What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw? I wish I had the words but I know I do not,” Slot said in a statement Thursday.
“All I have are feelings that I know so many people will share about a person and a player we loved dearly and a family we care so much about.”
Slot coached Jota for the 2024-25 season, during which Liverpool won the Premier League title.
“My first thoughts are not those of a football manager,” Slot continued. “They are of a father, a son, a brother and an uncle and they belong to the family of Diogo and Andre Silva who have experienced such an unimaginable loss.”