The ITV presenter paid his respects to the Liverpool star after the footballer is reported to have died in a car crash early on Thursday morning

This Morning presenter Ben Shephard has paid tribute to Liverpool star Diogo Jota following news of the footballer’s tragic death in a car crash.

Jota, 28, was killed alongside his younger brother, Andre Silva, when their car crashed and burst into flames in Spain’s Zamora region in the early hours of Thursday morning. During his regular slot on the ITV programme, Ben Shepherd spoke about the devastating news, telling viewers: “Diogo Jota has died in a car crash aged just 28. He was with his brother Andre Silva in the accident.

“It is really shocking because he only just recently got married. He’s the father of three young children as well. He’d had a very big footballing season and then a special summer marrying his wife. It’s really, really sad.”

Diogo Jota has been killed in a car crash ( 
Image:
PA Wire)
The Portuguese international had tied the knot with long-time partner Rute Cardoso on June 22. The couple shared three children.

Jota and his brother were reportedly travelling along the A52 motorway, known locally as the Palacios de Sanabria, when the accident happened. Emergency services were called shortly before 1am after the car left the road and caught fire.

The Guardia Civil confirmed the details of the accident in a statement, saying: “The information we have so far is that the car, which was a Lamborghini, was in a road traffic accident and left the road due to a tyre blow out while overtaking.

“It was in the early hours, 00:30 BST, in the municipality of Cernadilla in the province of Zamora. The car caught on fire and the two occupants were killed.”

Jota signed for Liverpool from Wolves in September 2020 and soon became a big figure in the squad. He played an important role in Liverpool’s Premier League title-winning campaign last season, as he made 26 appearances and scored six goals.

His brother, Andre Silva, 26, was also a professional footballer, and played for Portuguese second-division side Penafiel. Jota had been on holiday after helping Portugal secure the UEFA Nations League title last month.

The Premier League have issued a lengthy statement paying tribute to Diogo Jota. It read: “Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre.

“Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo’s family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time. Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed. We will continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club.”

Jota’s former club Wolves have also issued their tribute, saying they are ‘heartbroken’ by the news. A statement on social media read: “We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves.

“The memories he created will never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother, Andre. You will be truly missed, and always remembered.”