Mohamed Salah makes heartbreaking admission with tribute to Diogo Jota after tragic death

Liverpool starMohamed Salah has said that it will be "extremely difficult" to accept Diogo Jota's absenceafter his tragic death. The Portuguese forward died in a car crash in Spain alongside his brother.

The accident happened early on Thursday morning with the pair driving to Santander in order to catch a ferry to the UK. Since the news was confirmed, there has been an outpouring of emotion across the footballing world.

And Liverpool star Salah has become the latest to share a touching message to his former teammate. A statement released on Salah's social media account read: "I am truly lost for words. Until yesterday, I never thought there would be something that would frighten me of going back to Liverpool after the break. Team mates 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.

"My thoughts are with his wife, his children, and of course his parents who suddenly lost their children. Those close to Diogo and his brother Andre need all the support they can get. They will never be forgotten."

Jota and Salah had been teammates at Anfield since the former's move from Premier League rivals Wolves in 2020. In that time, they had helped the club lift the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL and secure a spot in the 2022 Champions League final.

READ MORE: Diogo Jota dead: Latest updates and details after Liverpool star dies in car crash

READ MORE: Diogo Jota's agent in tears speaking after visiting morgue where bodies were taken to

Salah is far from the only Liverpool star to release a tribute following the news of Jota's death. Captain Virgil van Dijk also had some kind words for his former teammate, as well as his family.

He said: "Man, I can’t believe it, I don’t wanna believe it. Absolutely devastated and in total disbelief. What a human being, what a player, but most importantly what an unbelievable family man.

"You meant so much to all of us and you always will! For your family to lose two sons, a husband and a father is just unimaginable. So cruel and unfair. My heart is breaking for all of your beautiful family, for Rute and for your kids. I promise you that in these difficult times and beyond we will always be there for your family.

Write your tributes to Diogo Jota using the comments section below

"A champion forever, number 20 forever. It’s been a privilege to have stood by your side on the pitch, and to have been your friend off it. We will miss you beyond words and never forget you. Your legacy will live on, we will make sure of it! Rest in perfect peace Diogo & André."

Fans have also been sharing their respects. Supporters have travelled to both Anfield and Molineux over the past few days to leave tributes and flowers. Flags have also been flown at half-mast.

The crash that killed both Jota and his brother Andre Silva is thought to have occured after a tire-blow out as they attempted to overtake another motorist. The Lamborghini that they were travelling in is then thought to have crashed into the barriers and burst into flames, with emergency services unable to save either man.

Their bodies have since been taken back to Portugalahead of a private wake for their family and friends, with a funeral service set to take place on Saturday.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.