Coming up with the completely devastating news of the death of Diogo Jota will take a lot of time. From the fierce determination and quality that he showed on the field to his benevolent character away from football, he was a special man who will be seriously missed by many.
When the tragic news broke out on Thursday morning, I felt, like millions of Liverpool supporters around the world, numb and prayed that it wasn't true.
As more and more media put the story and different messages from colleagues and friends through my phone, the grim reality of the situation became clear.
It was soon confirmed that Jota, 28, together with younger brother Andre Silva, 25, had lost their lives in a car accident in Spain around 00:30 CET.
Football really pale in insignificance on days like today, where Jota married Less than a week ago partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three young children.
It is almost impossible to understand that kind of heartache.
In a statement by Liverpool, the club said that they were “destroyed” by the news and called for privacy for the family, friends and teammates of Diogo and Andre while they come to terms an “unimaginable loss”.
Huldesten have since arrived for the Portuguese attacker, with former teammates, coaches and clubs who express their respect, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Jurgen Klopp and Darwin Nunez.
After Jota moved to Liverpool in 2020 from fellow Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers, Jota played a key role in the success of the Reds and has been firmly established for the past five years as a favorite of a fans.
Under various attributes that turned out to be invaluable, it was his tenacity both on and of the ball, as well as his goal instinct in the 18-Yard Box, which immediately caught my attention during the 2020/21 campaign.
Trying to break into a front three of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino was not an easy achievement, but Jota managed to do this spectacularly within a few months after his arrival at Merseyside.
Loved by teammates, worshiped by fans, Jota continued to bloom under Jurgen Klopp and scored 21 times in the 2021/22 season when Liverpool insured a domestic double, while missing a historic four -fold.
His talent for finding the net in major competitions only raised his interest in the team, with crucial goals against Atletico Madrid, Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City.
From scoring the first goal of the Arne Slot era on the opening day of the 2024/25 campaign to obtaining the winner in the Merseyside Derby of April, Jota's contribution to the club has remained enormous in recent years.
Moreover, his connection with both the supporters and the city was clearly visible in the aftermath of Liverpool's Premier League-title-winning parties against Crystal Palace while the head served him with a delightful representation of the popular 'better than Figo, you do not know' chant.
It is a tune that in recent years has many of my most precious Liverpool -memories has soundtracks, so let's hope it will continue to echo Jota all over the world.
The number 20 of the Reds played a major role in bringing a 20th competition crown to Anfield, and I will always be eternally grateful.
Football has lost one of the good guys. Rest in Peace, Diogo.