The Liverpool family is “consumed by shock and sorrow”, chief executive Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes said following the tragic death of Diogo Jota.
Liverpool forward Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva, 25, were killed in a car accident in the province of Zamora in north-western Spain.
Their car came off the road following a tyre blowout and caught fire, with emergency services unable to save them after arriving at the scene.
Jota leaves behind his wife Rute, who he wed last month, and three children.
The tragedy has led to an outpouring of emotional tributes, while fans have gathered at Anfield to pay their respects.
In a statement released on Liverpool’s website, Edwards and Hughes said: “There is nothing that we can say in this moment to ease the pain of such a devastating tragedy. We all feel utterly bereft right now.
“In such heartbreaking circumstances, it is our responsibility to acknowledge the collective grief we are experiencing, to pay tribute to our Diogo, and to offer unwavering support to his family who remain our absolute priority at this time.
“Diogo’s wife, Rute, their three beautiful children, his parents and wider family are facing an unimaginable loss. This tragic accident has taken not only Diogo, but also his brother, Andre Silva. We mourn them both equally. We must respect the family’s privacy and give them the space to grieve in whichever way they need.
“Of course, we – his Liverpool family – are also struggling to come to terms with what has happened. As his team-mates, friends and colleagues, we are consumed by shock and sorrow. We know our supporters, his national team, former clubs and teammates and the wider football community share in this grief. This is a tragedy that transcends Liverpool Football Club.
“In the coming days, we as a club will look to honour our beloved number 20 with the respect and affection he so richly deserves. We will strive to make these tributes meaningful and inclusive of our supporters, to whom Diogo meant so much.
“For now, we express a love that is filled with deep sorrow and pain. We have lost someone truly irreplaceable.
“Rest in peace, Diogo. YNWA.”
