Liverpool to pay Diogo Jota’s remaining two-year contract to family – Report

Premier League giants Liverpool have decided to pay out Diogo Jota’s remaining two-year contract in full to his family following his tragic death in the wee hours on Thursday. Jota, 28, and his younger brother Andre, 25, died in a road accident in northwest Spain, rocking football and the wider world. Per the latest reports, Liverpool’s sporting directors, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, have vowed to pay out Jota’s remainder of the contract, in welcoming news for those affected by the forward’s passing. Also, Jota won the EPL this season with Liverpool and even helped Portugal claim its second Nations League title.

What’s more worsening is to know that he only got married to his long-time partner Rute (on June 22) just 11 days before his tragic death. The pair had three children - all born in Liverpool.

Meanwhile, after the news of his accident broke out, thousands flocked to Anfield to pay tributes to the Liverpool forward; countless also paid homage to him on social media, including Jota’s national and club teammates like Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah, respectively, and plenty more. The funeral of the two siblings was to take place on Saturday in Portugal.

Besides, Liverpool also opened a book of condolence at Anfield, allowing fans and the general public to pay respect to the passing soul. Jota, however, arrived at Liverpool from Wolves in 2020, later signing his latest contract in August 2022.

Also, Edwards and Hughes had promised to honour Jota in the coming days. In a released joint statement, Liverpool’s sporting directors 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 teammates, 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,” the statement concluded.