Mohamed Salah has admitted he is “frightened” to return to Liverpool following the tragic death of his teammate Diogo Jota in a car crash. The Portugal international, aged 28, died alongside his younger brother, Andre Silva, after their car veered off a motorway in Spain and caught fire in the early hours of Thursday.
The heartbreaking news has sent shockwaves through the football world, particularly within Liverpool FC, where Jota was a beloved figure both on and off the pitch. Mourners gathered in Portugal on Friday to pay their respects during a wake, with the brothers’ funeral scheduled for Saturday.
Jota’s sudden passing has deeply affected the Liverpool squad, with several players publicly expressing their sorrow. Team captain Virgil van Dijk said he was “absolutely devastated and in total disbelief,” while the club’s manager, Arne Slot, called for unity in the face of the tragedy, urging everyone associated with the team to support one another.
Salah, last season’s Premier League top scorer, shared an emotional message on Instagram, highlighting the emotional toll the loss has taken on him. “I am truly lost for words,” he wrote. “Until yesterday, I never thought there would be something that would frighten me about going back to Liverpool after the break. Teammates come and go, but not like this.”
He continued by expressing his condolences to Jota’s family, especially his wife and children, as well as their grieving parents. “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.”
Jota had only recently celebrated a joyful moment in his personal life. On June 22, he married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, sharing footage of their wedding on social media. The couple had three children, making the circumstances of his death all the more heartbreaking.
Liverpool had initially scheduled players to return to the training ground on Friday to begin preparations for the new season. However, in light of the tragedy, the return of some players has been postponed until Monday to allow time for mourning and emotional support.
The club has also taken steps to honour Jota’s memory, including opening a book of condolence and lowering flags at Anfield to half-mast. Fans have flocked to the stadium to lay flowers, scarves, and team shirts at a makeshift memorial. Similar scenes of tribute have also been witnessed at Molineux Stadium, where Jota played before joining Liverpool.
Liverpool are set to play their first pre-season match against Preston on July 13, but for now, the focus remains on honouring the life of a much-loved teammate and friend.
