Liverpool FC have released a statement paying tribute to Diogo Jota after the forward passed away in a car accident aged 28.

The Portuguese international had been travelling in the Spanish province of Zamora with his brother Andre Silva, 26, also a professional footballer, when their card left the road in the early hours of Thursday and caught fire. The Spanish Guardia Civil confirmed the deaths of both men in the accident.

Tributes have flooded in from across Portugal and the footballing world. Jota played an integral role in Liverpool’s attack under Jurgen Klopp and latterly Arne Slot, lifting his maiden Premier League title only months ago, as well as the FA Cup and League Cup during his five-year spell at Anfield.

The Club released a statement in the aftermath of his death, reading: “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.”

Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, scoring 65 goals in 182 appearances for the Reds.

He was also a key member of Portugal’s national football team, earning 49 caps and twice winning the UEFA Nations League, including this summer. The national team has said they are “devastated” to hear of the forward’s death.

Jota was “not only a fantastic player with almost 50 caps for the national team, but also an extraordinary person who was respected by all his teammates and opponents”, his national team mates added.