Liverpool squad say heartbreaking goodbye to Diogo Jota at team-mate's funeral

Liverpool squad members have been left devastated as they said an emotional goodbye to their team-mate Diogo Jota at his funeral service in Portugal. The 28-year-old father-of-three, recently wedded to Rute Cardoso, and his late brother Andre Silva were commemorated at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar, near Porto, after losing their lives in a tragic car accident on Thursday.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and team-mate Andy Robertson paid homage by carrying red floral tributes donned with the brothers' respective shirt numbers. In a solemn show of respect, head coach Arne Slot, much of the first-team, and prominent figures including Michael Edwards - pivotal in Jota's transfer from Wolves to Liverpool in 2020 and now part of Fenway Sports Group - were present alongside sporting director Richard Hughes and head physio Lee Nobes.

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker was tied down by international commitments with Brazil which meant he was absent in a similar situation to the one that prevented him from attending his father's own funeral four years ago. He said in a touching Instagram post: "Usually, I post things that make sense, but today, nothing makes sense!

"Once again, an ocean separates me from 'saying goodbye' to someone I love! But I know that I am well represented by my club mates! To you, my friend Rute, just know that you will never walk alone, we will be with you as soon as possible!"

A number of Jota's former team-mates attended the ceremony, including ex-Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who also paid his respects by laying flowers outside Anfield on Friday. James Milner, Thiago Alcantara, Caoimhin Kelleher, Fabinho, and former Wolves and Portugal team-mate Joao Moutinho were also in attendance.

Other notable attendees included Manchester City's Portuguese duo Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias, as well as Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, who played alongside Jota for Portugal. Jota's close friend Ruben Neves, who had flown in from Florida after competing in the Club World Cup, served as a pallbearer.

Nuno Espirito Santo, Jota's former Wolves manager and current Nottingham Forest head coach, was also present.

Bernardo Silva shared his condolences with Portuguese broadcaster TVI, saying: "I can't even imagine the pain of the family, of Rute, of the children, of the parents. I must talk a little about Jota, who was a great friend to all of us. His career, although not the most important thing, speaks for itself.

"More important than that, as a person, the memories that remain. Jota will remain in our hearts forever. He will always be present at all breakfasts, lunches, dinners, national team gatherings, PlayStation or card games.

"It is a very tough episode for all of us, because we spent a lot of time together. The memories I have with him are fantastic. These happy memories will remain, he will be present in every victory.

"We were rivals and team-mates for many years. He became a great friend. He was present at my wedding. Unfortunately, I wasn't at his, because I was at the Club World Cup. It is a family that will always be with us and that we will try to preserve."

Players from Penafiel, the team for whom Jota's brother played, also attended. A wake was held on Friday for the pair before the coffins were carried into church on Saturday morning followed by mourners, led by Jota's wife and family.

After the service, which was broadcast to hundreds standing outside, they were taken to the cemetery next to the church for a private ceremony. A seventh-day mass will be held on Wednesday.

Jota's national team manager Roberto Martinez, who was also in attendance, said: "They are really sad days, as you can imagine, but today we have shown we are a very large, but close family.

"It was essential for us that, (with) Andre Silva and Diogo Jota, we are together and we will always be together and their spirit will be with us forever.

"Thank you very much for your messages, for your support and everything that we have received (from) all over the world. It means a lot and today we are all one football family."

Liverpool have reportedly agreed to honour the remaining two years on Jota's contract, ensuring his family is taken care of financially.

Anfield has become a shrine to memories, with heartfelt tributes pouring in. Among them, Everton boss David Moyes and number two Alan Irvine offered their regards, sharing: "With heartfelt sympathy, from David Moyes and everyone at Everton Football Club."

The city of Manchester also showed its respects, as native sons Noel and Liam Gallagher paid homage to Jota during Oasis' much-anticipated return at Cardiff's Principality Stadium, where they concluded 'Live Forever' amidst cheers and applause, with an image of Jota illuminating the screen.