Diogo Jota and brother's bodies greeted by heartbroken mourners ahead of funeral

The bodies of Diogo Jota and his brother arrived at a church in Portugal surrounded by mourners ahead of the pair’s funerals at the weekend. The Liverpool star and his sibling Andre Silva died in a devastating car crash in Spain on Thursday evening.

Emergency services were quickly on the scene but were unable to save either Jota or his brother as flames engulfed their vehicle. An outpouring of grief and tributes have come from across the footballing landscape since the news was shared.

Liverpool shared a series of touching messages, while current and former teammates of both men have shared their own heartfelt tributes. And while the footballing world is still reeling at the tragedy, planning is already underway for an official farewell to both men.

Their bodies arrived at a church in Gondomar, Portugal late on Thursday evening via hearse. Dozens of mourners were already gathered to pay their respects, with more expected to attend on Friday.

Jose Manuel Macedo, the local parish priest, confirmed that a private wake would take place in the Portuguese town on Friday, beginning at 8am. It was set to take place at Capela de Ressurreicao. A funeral service is also expected to be held at the nearby catholic church Igreja Matriz on Saturday at 10am.

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“We're available to celebrate [their life] with everyone and to share the pain and the Christian hope,” Macedo told CNN.

Jota’s agent Jorge Mendes was among those to accompany the star’s mother at the funeral home. In tears, he said: “We lost two great people. Diogo is an example as a person, husband, son, professional. I still can't believe it, it's very difficult.”

The funeral of both men is set to take place just half an hour away from the Portuguese city of Porto, where they both grew up. It was also the same place that the 28-year-old married Rute Cardoso just two weeks ago.

Ahead of the wake, a statement from Gondomar Town Hall read: “Gondomar Town Hall expresses its deepest sympathy at the death of international footballer Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, illustrious Gondomar residents who left prematurely, leaving behind a remarkable sporting career and an example of dedication and professionalism.

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“Throughout his career, Diogo Jota stood out for his footballing talent and for the committed way in which he always represented the region and the country, winning national and international recognition.

“At this time of sorrow and consternation, Gondomar Town Hall extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of these two Gondomar residents.

“By way of tribute, the Mayor of Gondomar Luis Filipe Araujo, has decreed by official order a day of municipal mourning to be observed this Friday, 4 July. During this period, the municipal flag will be flown at half-mast in all municipal buildings and facilities.”

Jota and his brother were driving to catch a ferry from Santander back to the UK after being advised by doctors not to fly. But they never reached their destination after being involved in the fatal accident.

Liverpool are set to return for pre-season testing on Monday. But instead, the Reds will now be paying tribute to their star, as confirmed by Liverpool boss Arne Slot in an emotional statement.

He said: “The last time we spoke, I congratulated Diogo on winning the Nations League and wished him luck for his forthcoming wedding. In many ways, it was a dream summer for Diogo and his family, which makes it all the more heartbreaking that it should end like this.

“When I first came to the club, one of the first songs I got to know was the one that our fans sing for Diogo. I had not worked with him previously but I knew straight away that if the Liverpool supporters, who have seen so many great players over the years, had such a unique chant for Diogo, he must have special qualities.

“That we have lost those qualities in such terrible circumstances is something we have not yet come to terms with. For this reason, we need everyone at the club to stand together and to be there for one another. We owe this to Diogo, to Andre Silva, to their wider family and to ourselves.

“My condolences go to Diogo’s wife, Rute, their three beautiful children and to the parents of Diogo and Andre Silva. When the time is right, we will celebrate Diogo Jota, we will remember his goals and we will sing his song. For the time being, we will remember him as a unique human being and mourn his loss. He will never be forgotten.”

Fans and supporters have since been leaving tributes at both Anfield and Molineux, while flags have been flown at half-mast as a show of respect.

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