Liverpool Football Club has decided to honour the memory of Diogo Jota by paying out the remaining two years of his contract in full to his family, according to reports from Portuguese media outlet Record.
Jota, 28, tragically passed away in a car accident alongside his younger brother, Andre Silva, in the early hours of Thursday morning in northwest Spain. The news has sent shockwaves through the football community and beyond.
Just days before the tragedy, Jota had celebrated a major personal milestone, marrying his long-time partner, Rute, on June 22. The couple shared three children, all born in Liverpool, with their first born in 2021.
Since the heartbreaking news broke, thousands of fans have gathered at Anfield to lay flowers, scarves, and heartfelt tributes in memory of the Portuguese forward. Liverpool has also opened a book of condolence at the stadium to allow supporters and the public to pay their respects.
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 and signed his most recent contract extension in August 2022. He quickly became a fan favourite for his dedication, talent, and passion on the pitch.
Liverpool’s CEO of Football, Michael Edwards, and Sporting Director, Richard Hughes, issued a joint statement expressing their profound grief and commitment to supporting Jota’s loved ones:
“There is nothing we can say that will ease the pain of such a devastating loss. Diogo’s wife, Rute, their three children, his parents, and entire family are facing an unimaginable tragedy. This accident has taken not only Diogo but also his brother, Andre. We mourn them both and extend our deepest sympathies.”
They emphasized that the club is determined to stand by the grieving family, stating: “In these heartbreaking circumstances, our responsibility is to provide unwavering support to those Diogo loved most. The decision to honour his contract is part of that commitment. His family remains our absolute priority.”
Tributes have poured in from around the world. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk shared a moving message, vowing to be there for Jota’s family. Fellow teammate Ibrahima Konaté also pledged support, echoing Liverpool’s motto: “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
Liverpool plans to commemorate Jota in the coming days with fitting tributes at Anfield. The club said it aims to ensure that the late forward, who wore the No. 20 jersey, will be “rightly immortalised” for his contributions to the club and the sport.
“We’ve lost someone truly irreplaceable,” the club stated. “Rest in peace, Diogo. YNWA.”
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