Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has led tributes from players and coaches past and present after the passing of Diogo Jota, who passed away with his younger brother Andre in a car crash in Spain on Thursday.
Klopp said he was "heartbroken" to learn Diogo Jota, who he signed in 2020, possessed passed away at the age of 28.
Jota passed away alongside Andre after their vehicle veered off a motorway in northern Spain before bursting into flames.
Klopp, who is Red Bull's 'lead of global soccer', persuaded the Liverpool board to pay £45 million for Diogo Jota after he motivated at Wolves.
"This is a moment where I struggle!" Klopp posted on Instagram.
"There must be a bigger purpose! But I can't see it! I'm heartbroken to listen over the passing of Diogo and his brother, Andre.
"Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father!"We will miss you so much! All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace - Love.
"Liverpool said in a statement: "Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
"The club have been notified that 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.
"Liverpool teammate Stefan Bajcetic, who spent last season on loan at Las Palmas, was the first current player from the Reds to release a comment, posting an image in training with Jota on Instagram with the caption: "You will be remembered, my friend.
"Darwin Nunez shared an emotional post online for his "good companion" and teammate Jota.
"There are no words of comfort for so much pain," Nunez said.
"I will always remember you with your smile, as a good companion on and off the field.
I send all my strength to his family, from where he is, I'm sure he will always be with you, especially his wife and three children.
"Basketball legend and Liverpool shareholder LeBron James posted via his social media: "My prayers move out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be led and protected! YNWA (You'll Never Walk Alone) JOTA!!""Devastating news over Diogo Jota and his brother Andre this morning," former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher posted on X.
"Thoughts are with every one of their family and friends, especially his wife Rute and their three lovely kids.
""RIP Diogo," club legend Steven Gerrard said.
"Condolences to his family and friends during this incredibly sad time.
"Diogo Jota was labelled an "exceptional player, exceptional boy" by Klopp early on in the player's spell at Liverpool.
Jota took little time to hand over some return on Liverpool's investment, becoming the first player in the club's history to score in his first four home games.
He was a key part of Klopp's side that won the League Cup and FA Cup in 2021/22, narrowly missing out on the Premier League and Champions League for what would have been an unprecedented quadruple.
A supporter's tribute to the late Diogo Jota
