Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has opened up about being heartbroken over the passing of attacker Diogo Jota. The latter unfortunately passed away in a road accident on Thursday, July 3.

Taking to Instagram, Klopp, who left Liverpool after the 2023-24 season, mentioned how much Jota meant to him. The German tactician spoke about how Jota was a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father.

“This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can’t see it! I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother André. 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 J,” wrote Klopp.

You can see his post here:

Klopp was instrumental in signing Jota from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 for £41 million and giving him an opportunity to flourish at Anfield. Under him, Diogo Jota won the FA Cup and EFL Cup in 2021-22 and the Community Shield in 2022-23 at Liverpool.

Eyewitnesses share details of Liverpool ace Diogo Jota’s fatal car accident

Soon after midnight on Thursday (Spanish time), Jota, along with his brother Andre, passed away after their car crashed in the municipality of Cernadilla, in the Zamora province of north-western Spain.

It was reported that the car the brothers were travelling in, a Lamborghini, caught fire due to a tyre blowout while overtaking. The car reportedly made its way off the motorway and was engulfed in flames, charring the Jota brothers to death.

Several witnesses mentioned that they saw the car burst into flames, which then spread to the nearby shrubbery. Jota’s brother, Andre, was also a professional footballer and played for the Portuguese club Penafiel.

Jota leaves behind his wife, whom he married on June 22, and three kids. He scored a total of 65 goals for Liverpool in 182 appearances across all competitions. He was a vital member of the 2024-25 Premier League-winning Liverpool squad.

Before arriving at Anfield, Diogo Jota plied his trade for Wolverhampton Wanderers from 2017-18 to 2019-20. Prior to that, he played for Portuguese clubs FC Porto and Pacos de Ferreira.

Diogo Jota also made 49 appearances for Portugal at senior level, scoring on 14 occasions. His most recent appearance for the national team came against Spain in the UEFA Nations League final, which Portugal won, on June 8.