Arne Slot in "shock": Liverpool coach writes emotional farewell letter to Jota

Liverpool FC and the international football world are in shock: On Thursday, top striker Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva died in a serious traffic accident. Liverpool's coach wrote farewell messages that gave us goosebumps.

Following the tragic accidental deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, Liverpool manager Arne Slot wrote an emotional farewell letter. "What can you say in a moment like this, when the shock and pain are so incredibly present?" the Dutchman wrote: "I wish I had the words, but I know I don't."

In over 500 words on the club's website, Slot reflected on his time with Jota. "There were also sides that not everyone got to see. The person who never sought popularity, but found it anyway. Not just a friend for two, but for everyone," the 46-year-old described the striker.

"When we last spoke, I congratulated Diogo on winning the Nations League and wished him all the best for his upcoming wedding. It has been a dream summer for Diogo and his family in many ways, and it is all the more heartbreaking that it has ended like this," Slot said.

Jota leaves behind his wife Rute Cardoso, whom he married just a week and a half ago, and three children. He died in a traffic accident on Thursday morning at the age of 28. His brother André Silva, three years younger, also died in the accident.

Jota was always popular with Liverpool fans and even had his own chant. "It was immediately clear to me: If the Liverpool fans, who have seen so many great players over the years, had such a unique chant for Diogo, he must have special qualities," wrote Slot, who took over from Jürgen Klopp last year. The Reds' fans sang about the "boy from Portugal" who would lead them to success and was "better than Figo": "His name is Diogo." Slot wanted to sing that song again when the time came: "He will never be forgotten. His name is Diogo."