Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has expressed overwhelming grief and a sense of fear about returning to Anfield following the tragic and untimely death of his beloved teammate, Diogo Jota. The Egyptian international, known for his emotional connection to his teammates and fans, shared his deep sadness and described the situation as one of the most difficult moments in his career.
Recall that Jota tragically passed away in a devastating car crash in Spain along with his younger brother, Andre Silva. According to reports, the incident took place in northwest Spain while they were traveling back to the United Kingdom. The 28-year-old Portuguese star had recently undergone lung surgery and was advised not to fly for medical reasons. As a result, he decided to make the journey by road and sea, a decision that ended in the heartbreaking accident.
Jota’s death came as a huge shock to the football community and to his family. Only 12 days before the tragic event, he had celebrated a joyous milestone, marrying his longtime partner, Ruta Cardoso. The newlyweds were looking forward to a new chapter together, but their dreams were cut short. Jota leaves behind Ruta and their young children, as well as his grieving parents, friends, and fans around the world.
In a deeply emotional message shared on Friday, Salah broke his silence and paid tribute to Jota:
“I am truly lost for words. Until yesterday, I never thought there would be something that would frighten me of going back to Liverpool after the break. Team mates come and go but not like this. It’s going to be extremely difficult to accept that Diogo won’t be there when we go back. My thoughts are with his wife, his children, and of course his parents who suddenly lost their children. Those close to Diogo and his brother Andre need all the support they can get. They will never be forgotten.”
Many fans and fellow footballers have shared similar sentiments, echoing Salah’s pain and shock. Liverpool’s current head coach, Arne Slot, and former manager, Jurgen Klopp, also expressed their condolences and remembered Jota as “a gentleman, a warrior, and a man loved by teammates and fans alike.” Klopp emphasized Jota’s dedication on and off the field and highlighted how his spirit had deeply inspired the squad.
In Jota’s hometown of Gondomar, Portugal, a large number of grieving family members, friends, and supporters gathered for a wake ahead of his funeral, which is scheduled for Saturday. The atmosphere in the town has been described as somber, with many people coming together to share memories and support one another through the loss.
Meanwhile, in Liverpool, Anfield Stadium has turned into a memorial ground as heartbroken fans continue to arrive, leaving behind flowers, club scarves, jerseys, candles, and handwritten messages to honor Jota’s memory. Many have described him as a humble, hardworking, and kind-hearted player who always gave his all on the pitch.
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was among those seen paying tribute at the vigil outside the stadium. Henderson was visibly emotional as he laid flowers and left a handwritten note that read: “Rest in peace my friend, along with your brother Andre. We will all miss you.” This emotional gesture has resonated with fans around the world and highlights the strong bonds within the Liverpool family.