Hundreds were seen queuing to sign the book of condolences at Anfield
Hundreds of scarves and flowers have been left at Anfield in memory of Diogo Jota after he and his brother died in a car crash. 28-year-old Jota was found dead alongside his brother Andre Silva following the crash on the A-52 in Palacios de Sanabria near the city of Zamora at 12.40am on Thursday.
Police said they were investigating the possibility that the Lamborghini left the road because of a tyre blowout while overtaking. Tributes from the football world and beyond flooded in for the father of three, who had married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso just 11 days ago.
Earlier today, the club announced it had opened books of condolences for both Jota and his brother, with a four hour period tonight for fans to write their tributes in the reception area of the Anfield Road Stand. For those who are unable to make the trip to Anfield are able to sign a digital book of condolences on the Liverpool FC website.
Photos taken by the ECHO on Thursday night show hundreds of scarves, flowers and letters strewn across the grass on 97 Avenue in a makeshift shrine to the Portuguese international.
One note said: “Thank you Jota. You will be missed, our number 20. YNWA RIP.”
A homemade banner was tied to the gates outside Anfield reading “RIP Jota YNWA.”
One young girl in the queue to sign the book was seen holding a laminated photo of Jota along with a bouquet of pink flowers. Liverpool stars paid tribute to their friend and teammate on Thursday evening, with Virgil van Dijk writing on social media: “Man, I can’t believe it, I don’t wanna believe it.
“Absolutely devastated and in total disbelief. What a human being, what a player, but most importantly what an unbelievable family man.
“You meant so much to all of us and you always will! For your family to lose two sons, a husband and a father is just unimaginable.
“So cruel and unfair. My heart is breaking for all of your beautiful family, for Rute and for your kids. I promise you that in these difficult times and beyond we will always be there for your family. A champion forever, number 20 forever.
“It’s been a privilege to have stood by your side on the pitch, and to have been your friend off it. We will miss you beyond words and never forget you.
“Your legacy will live on, we will make sure of it! Rest in perfect peace Diogo & Andre.”
Manager Arne Slot released a lengthy and heartfelt message through the club where he paid emotional tribute to Jota. He said: “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.
“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.
“My first thoughts are not those of a football manager. 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.”
He continued: “I could say so much about what he brought to our team but the truth is everyone who watched Diogo play could see it. Hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, goals. The essence of what a Liverpool player should be.”
