Mohamed Salah scared of returning to Anfield following Diogo Jota’s death
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has expressed deep sorrow and fear about returning to the club following the death of teammate Diogo Jota.
Recall Jota died in a fatal car crash in Spain alongside his younger brother, Andre Silva.
The 28-year-old Portugal international had been advised against flying due to recent lung surgery and opted to travel by road and sea back to the UK when the accident occurred in northwest Spain.
Jota, who had married his longtime partner Ruta Cardoso just 12 days prior, leaves behind a young family.
In a heartfelt message shared on Friday, Salah broke his silence:
“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.”
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and former manager Jurgen Klopp had earlier paid tribute to Jota, describing him as “a gentleman, a warrior, and a man loved by teammates and fans alike.”
In Gondomar, Jota’s hometown, grieving family and friends gathered for a wake ahead of Saturday’s funeral.
In Liverpool, Anfield has become a site of mourning, with fans leaving flowers, scarves, and handwritten messages in memory of the player.
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was seen laying flowers at the vigil, visibly emotional, with a note that read:
“Rest in peace my friend, along with your brother Andre. We will all miss you.”