Mohamed Salah has opened up about the emotional toll following the death of his Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota, who died alongside his brother André Silva in a car crash in Spain. The loss has left the team in shock, with Salah admitting he feels “frightened” to return to the club as they prepare for pre-season.
How Did the Tragedy Unfold?
Jota and his younger brother André died in the early hours of Thursday after their car veered off a Spanish motorway and burst into flames. The devastating news came just days after Jota had married his longtime partner Rute Cardoso on June 22. They had three children together. A wake was held in Portugal on Friday, with the funeral set for Saturday.
What Has the Reaction Been From the Liverpool Squad?
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk shared his grief on Instagram, saying he was “absolutely devastated and in total disbelief.” Manager Arne Slot emphasized unity in the wake of the tragedy, stating that the team owed it to Jota to “stand together and be there for one another.”
Mohamed Salah, who was last season’s Premier League top scorer, expressed his heartbreak in a deeply personal message.
“I am truly lost for words,” he posted on Instagram. “Until yesterday, I never thought there would be something that would frighten me of going back to Liverpool after the break. Teammates 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.”
He added, “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.”
How Is Liverpool Responding?
The club postponed the scheduled return of some players for pre-season training, initially set for Friday. The team will now regroup on Monday, with their first pre-season match against Preston on July 13.
In tribute to Jota, Liverpool lowered flags to half-mast and opened a book of condolence. Fans have created a makeshift shrine outside Anfield, leaving flowers, scarves, and shirts. A similar memorial has emerged outside Molineux Stadium, home of Wolves, where Jota previously played.
By Yockshard Enyendi
