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The 28-year-old passed away on Thursday morning following a fatal car accident in northwest Spain that also claimed the life of his younger brother, Andre Silva.

Liverpool's pre-season gets underway next week and Jota was on his way to the port city of Santander to catch a ferry back to the UK when the Lamborghini he was travelling in spun off the road and burst into flames near the town of Zamora, following a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle.

The fire damage from the crash was so severe that it prevented tests from being carried out to confirm that the two victims were Jota and his brother.



Jota's wife had to identify the pair as police at the scene had been unable to ID either man.

The Portugal international had been advised not to fly following lung surgery and was planning to sail back to England with his brother.

After that, ties with AC Milan, Yokohama FM and Athletic Club have been pencilled in ahead of a curtain-raising Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace at Wembley on August 10.

Diogo Jota was just days away from returning to Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool released the following statement after news of Jota's tragic death broke: "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.

Thoughts are with his wife Rute and their three kids."

Some of the tributes to Diogo Jota which have been laid at Anfield(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)Some Liverpool fans want the club to retire the number 20 shirt as mark of respect(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Cristiano Ronaldo, who played with Jota at international level, wrote: "It doesn't make sense.

Jota's brother Andre Silva was also a footballer and played for Liga Portugal 2 side Penafiel.

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