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Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota dies in car crash aged 28

The football world has been rocked by the tragic death of Diogo Jota, who passed away at what should have been an exciting turning point in his life.

Liverpool forward Diogo, 28, died in a horrific car crash alongside his younger brother and fellow footballer, Andre Silva, 26.

Instead, fans and teammates alike are today mourning the loss of two gifted young men with everything to live for.

Here, the Mirror looks at the final tragic days of Portuguese icon Diogo, and the cruel twist of fate ahead of what should have been a triumphant return to the UK.

READ MORE:BRIAN READE: ‘I watched Jota lift trophy – his death reminds us life is precious’Dedicated Diogo remained, as ever, an 'unparalleled professional', despite the health issues he faced(Image: Getty Images)Article continues below

Those watching Diogo play in the last few weeks of his life may well have had no idea that he was dealing with a little-known health issue, which has now been confirmed by his physiotherapist.

Ever the "unparalleled professional", Diogo continued to give his all to the beautiful game, despite suffering from an problem known as pneumothorax - or collapsed lung.

Physio Miguel Goncalves, who saw Diogo just five hours before the crash, said the footballer was so keen to ensure Liverpool won their second Premier League title, he delayed his pneumothorax surgery.

He also longed to play in Portugal's Nations League game against Spain in June, which his country ended up winning on penalties.

In what was to be one of his final phone calls, Diogo spoke with Gondomar SC president Alvaro Cerqueira(Image: PA)

And in a heartbreaking twist of fate, it has now been revealed that Diogo had been advised against flying after undergoing lung surgery, and so he and Andre had intended to sail back to England together.

At the time of the tragedy, the brothers were driving towards Santander, via an overnight stop off in Benavente.

Next week, Liverpool team members are due back at their Melwood training ground, with the pre-season kicking off on Tuesday, July 8.

Diogo's physio has shut down rumours that he and Andre had been partying before tragedy struck(Image: FACEBOOK)

Diogo's physio Mr Goncalves, who works primarily at a Porto hospital, shared how the two brothers had chosen to make their fateful car journey in the evening as the weather would be cooler.

Setting the record straight, he clarified: "To be clear, Diogo and Andre weren't partying at all."

After spending some time in Portugal, the 28-year-old had been returning to Liverpool ahead of the pre-season(Image: PA)

In the hours before the devastating crash, Jota also spoke to Gondomar SC president Alvaro Cerqueira in a heartbreaking phone call.

It is difficult to talk at a time like this, but what will remain is the image of two very humble people, who leave a huge void."

Meanwhile, just 11 days before his untimely death, Diogo married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, in a ceremony held in his home city of Porto.

In those final hours, the couple were still very much the image of newlywed bliss, sharing beautiful snaps from their special day via Instagram.

Newlywed Diogo died just 11 days after exchanging vows with his longtime love

Gorgeous photos shared on the app show the former teenage sweethearts beaming from ear to ear in front of a church altar.