Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has said he is “frightened” to return to the club following the tragic death of his teammate Diogo Jota, who was killed alongside his younger brother, Andre Silva, in a car crash in Spain on Thursday.
Salah’s emotional message came as tributes continued to pour in for the Portuguese forward, whose funeral is scheduled for Saturday in his hometown of Gondomar, near Porto. The accident occurred just days after Jota, 28, married longtime partner Rute Cardoso. The couple had three children.
“I am truly lost for words,” Salah posted on Instagram. “Until yesterday, I never thought there would be something that would frighten me of going back to Liverpool after the break. Teammates come and go, but not like this. It’s going to be extremely difficult to accept that Diogo won’t be there when we go back.”
Liverpool teammates have expressed devastation over the loss. Club captain Virgil van Dijk said he was “absolutely devastated,” while manager Arne Slot urged the team to unite in their grief.
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson also paid tribute, recalling fond memories with Jota, including travel moments and jokes. “It was a pleasure to share a pitch with you, but more importantly, a friendship,” Henderson wrote.
Thousands of fans have visited a memorial outside Anfield, leaving flowers, scarves, and messages. Similar tributes have appeared at Wolves’ Molineux Stadium, where Jota played before joining Liverpool. An Everton delegation, including players Beto and Youssef Chermiti, also paid their respects.
In response to the tragedy, Liverpool has postponed pre-season training, initially scheduled to begin Friday. The club also suspended ticket sales for their July 13 friendly against Preston and opened a book of condolence.
Flags at Anfield remain at half-mast as the club, its players, and supporters continue to mourn the loss of a teammate widely admired for his talent and character.
