Salah and Jota were instrumental in Liverpool’s Premier League victory last season.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has expressed profound grief, stating it will be “extremely difficult to accept” the passing of his teammate, Diogo Jota.
Jota, aged 28, died in a tragic car accident alongside his brother, Andre Silva, 25.
“I am truly lost for words,” conveyed Salah, who joined Liverpool in 2017.
“Until yesterday, I never imagined anything could make me apprehensive about returning to Liverpool after the break. Teammates come and go, but not in this manner.”
“It’s going to be extremely difficult to accept that Diogo won’t be there upon our return.”
“My thoughts are with his wife, his children, and, of course, his parents, who have suffered the sudden loss of their children. Those close to Diogo and his brother Andre need all the support they can get. They will never be forgotten.”
The Guardia Civil confirmed to BBC Sport that the accident occurred at approximately 00:30 local time on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of both men.
Jota was en route back to Liverpool for pre-season training. Due to recent minor surgery, doctors advised against air travel, leading him to undertake the journey by car and ferry.
Doctor Miguel Goncalves, who assisted Jota in his recovery, lauded him as an “unparalleled professional.”
Speaking to Portuguese sports newspaper Record, he stated: “I began working with him last Saturday and was with him daily until this Wednesday. I bid him farewell at dinner time.”
“He exhibited extraordinary recovery, undoubtedly demonstrating unparalleled professionalism. He rigorously adhered to my instructions, evident in his remarkable progress.”
“He was excited, confident in his recovery, and enthusiastic about the upcoming season.”
Jota married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three children, just 11 days prior to the fatal accident.
Diogo Jota: A Tribute
Death of Liverpool forward Jota leaves football world in shock
Liverpool forward Jota dies in car crash
Several Liverpool players were scheduled to return from their summer break on Friday for initial physical assessments at the club’s training facilities.
These assessments have been postponed, with a phased return for players now commencing on Monday.
Liverpool, under the management of Arne Slot, are slated to play their first pre-season match against Preston North End on Sunday, 13 July.
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher also paid tribute to “one of my closest friends in football.”
“We bonded over everything, sports, watching any football match we could find – often your brother Andre’s game on your iPad,” said Kelleher.
“I was surprised a lad from Portugal loved sports such as darts, snooker and horse racing so much and some of my best memories were having a laugh watching them with you.
“It’s going hurt for a long time and I’m going miss you so much but I feel so lucky to have got to know you and have such a good friend.”
A vigil for Jota and Silva will be held at the Chapel of Resurrection in their hometown of Gondomar on Friday.
A funeral service will take place at 10:00 on Saturday at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar.
Portugal and Nottingham Forest midfielder Jota Silva laid a wreath outside the chapel, where a private wake for the brothers’ relatives took place on Friday afternoon.
Residents and fans have been paying tribute to Jota outside the football academy in Gondomar, where he honed his skills from the age of nine to 17.
The academy bears his name, and a photo depicts Jota as a child, proudly wearing the colors of both the Portugal national team and his hometown club.
Expressions of sympathy have also been offered at Liverpool and at his former club, Wolves, which he left in 2020 to join the Reds.
Everton players Beto and Youssef Chermiti, both of Portuguese descent, and former Toffees midfielder Ian Snodin, laid wreaths in memory of Jota and Silva outside Anfield.
Liverpool has established a book of condolences in the Anfield Road Stand reception area, with an online version also available “accessible to fans across the globe.”
Fans have been laying tributes to Jota at Liverpool’s Anfield stadium
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson laid a tribute to Jota outside Anfield
The football academy in Gondomar is named after Diogo Jota
Tributes for Jota have also been laid at former club Wolves
Everton players Youssef Chermiti (left) and Beto (right), who are both Portuguese, and former Toffees midfielder Ian Snodin (centre) laid wreaths at Anfield
Nottingham Forest and Portugal midfielder Jota Silva (centre) laid a wreath outside the Chapel of Resurrection in Gondomar
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