Arne Slot’s tribute for Diogo Jota — “I wish I had the words, but I know I do not”

Liverpool manager Arne Slot penned an emotional tribute in memory of Diogo Jota, after the Liverpool forward and his brother, André Silva, passed away in a car accident in Spain on Thursday.

“What to say? What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw? I wish I had the words, but I know I do not,” said Slot.

“My first thoughts are not those of a football manager. They are of a father, a son, a brother and an uncle, and they belong to the family of Diogo and Andre Silva, who have experienced such an unimaginable loss,” said the Dutch manager.

Jota, who initially played for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League, moved to Liverpool, where he had his best professional stint. He won the FA Cup and League Cup under manager Jurgen Klopp before being victorious in the Premier League under Slot in the 2024/25 season.

“I could say so much about what he brought to our team, but the truth is, everyone who watched Diogo play could see it. Hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, and goals. The essence of what a Liverpool player should be,” said Slot.

“When I first came to the club, one of the first songs I got to know was the one that our fans sing for Diogo. I had not worked with him previously, but I knew straight away that if the Liverpool supporters, who have seen so many great players over the years, had such a unique chant for Diogo, he must have special qualities,” he said.

The 28-year-old was also part of the Portugal squad that won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025. “The last time we spoke, I congratulated Diogo on winning the Nations League and wished him luck for his forthcoming wedding. In many ways, it was a dream summer for Diogo and his family, which makes it all the more heartbreaking that it should end like this.”

“When the time is right, we will celebrate Diogo Jota, we will remember his goals, and we will sing his song. For the time being, we will remember him as a unique human being and mourn his loss. He will never be forgotten.”