Arne Slot sends a touching message to Jota and his brother
My message to them is very clear – you will never walk alone.
What can you possibly say at a time like this?There are moments when words just don’t feel enough—when they seem too small for the weight of the pain we’re feeling. This is one of those moments. I wish I had something profound to offer, but right now, like so many others, I’m simply heartbroken.
What I do have is deep, shared sorrow for someone we all admired—not just as a footballer, but as a human being. Diogo wasn’t just a player on the pitch; he was a friend, a teammate, a part of our extended family. And for the Silva family—who are facing an unimaginable loss—my thoughts are with you more than I can express.
This isn’t about football. It’s about people. It’s about a father, a brother, a son—a family shattered by something that shouldn’t have happened. And in these moments, I’m not speaking as a coach or a manager. I’m speaking as someone who, like everyone else, is just trying to make sense of something senseless.
To Diogo’s loved ones—especially to Rute and their three beautiful children—please know you are not alone. Every single one of us at Liverpool Football Club is with you. Our fans, our staff, the players, and even those beyond Anfield in the broader football world—everyone is standing with you.
This outpouring of love and support is not just a reaction to tragedy. It’s a reflection of who Diogo was: kind, humble, loyal, generous. He didn’t chase attention, but somehow it found him anyway. He was the kind of person who lifted those around him just by being there.
As a player, he gave everything—effort, heart, talent. He embodied what it means to wear the Liverpool shirt. You didn’t need to be told how good he was; you could see it in every match. But off the field? That’s where his character truly shined. He was everyone’s friend. He made people feel seen, appreciated, and cared for.
The last time we spoke, I congratulated him on winning the Nations League and wished him well for his upcoming wedding. He was full of joy—life was unfolding beautifully for him. That’s part of what makes this so hard to accept. It felt like the beginning of something, not the end.
I remember when I first joined Liverpool, hearing the chant the fans had created for Diogo. I didn’t know him well then, but I knew right away: if the Kop had written a song for him, he must be something special.
And he was.
We’re still in shock. We haven’t begun to process this loss fully. But one thing is clear: we’ll need each other more than ever. As a club, as a community—we have to come together. Not just for Diogo, but for Andre Silva, for their families, and for one another.
To Diogo’s parents, to Andre’s loved ones—my deepest condolences. To Rute and the kids—our hearts are with you always.
When the time is right, we’ll celebrate Diogo’s career, we’ll cheer his goals, and we’ll sing his song louder than ever. But right now, we mourn a man who was so much more than just a footballer.
His name is Diogo.
And we will never forget him.
