Liverpool forward Diogo Jota was in a "happy moment" just hours before his tragic death in Spain, according to one of the last people to speak with him.
Álvaro Cerqueira, president of Gondomar SC where Jota began his football career, spoke to the 28-year-old striker around 10pm whilst he was driving towards Zamora.
"It was just after 10pm last night, we were on the phone and he was fine," Cerqueira told JN.
The club president revealed they maintained regular contact: "We spoke almost every week, and I know he was going through a happy moment."
Liverpool forward Diogo Jota was in a "happy moment" just hours before his tragic death in Spain, according to one of the last people to speak with him
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Jota and his brother Andre Silva died when their Lamborghini left the road due to a tyre blowout whilst overtaking another vehicle.
The vehicle subsequently caught fire following the accident.
Jota, who had been a key player for Liverpool since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, was travelling through Spain at the time of the fatal crash.
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Diogo Jota was a key player for Liverpool during his time at Anfield
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The 28-year-old forward had established himself as an integral part of Liverpool's attacking lineup, known for his versatility and clinical finishing.
His brother Andre had been playing for Penafiel for the past two seasons.
The accident has sent shockwaves through the football community, with tributes pouring in from around the world.
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The brothers maintained strong ties to Gondomar SC despite their professional careers taking them elsewhere.
Cerqueira revealed that the club's São Miguel Stadium pitch remained available to both siblings whenever they needed training facilities.
"When Diogo needed to train during the off-season, he would ask to come here, and we would always make everything available. His brother would usually come too, and they would both train," the president explained.
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Gondomar SC had served as the launching pad for Jota's journey to becoming an internationally recognised player, first at Wolverhampton Wanderers and subsequently at Liverpool.
Cerqueira struggled to articulate his grief over the loss of two people he considered friends.
"It is difficult to talk at a time like this, but what will remain is the image of two very humble people, who leave a huge void," he said.
Diogo Jota won the Nations League with Portugal earlier this summer before his tragic death at the age of 28
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Liverpool fans from all over the world have been flocking to Anfield to pay tribute to Jota.
The forward joined the club in 2020 and scored 65 goals.
His honours include one Premier League title, one Carabao Cup and one FA Cup.
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