John Aldridge says Diogo Jota’s song will always be sung at Anfield after tragic death

Liverpool goal scoring great John Aldridge has paid tribute to the club’s striker Diogo Jota after his tragic passing in a car accident in Portugal.

Portugal forward Jota died along with his younger brother Andre Silva in the accident in Zamora on Thursday morning, with his international team-mate Cristiano Rolando leading the tributes to the 28-year-old and his younger brother.

Now Anfield hero Aldridge has given his reaction to the news that has put the football world into mourning, as he suggested the striker will always be remembered fondly by Liverpool fans.

A floral tribute left at Anfield following the death of Diogo Jota. Picture: Peter Byrne/PA Media

Liverpool fans leave flowers and tributes outside Anfield after death of Diogo Jota

"It’s just hard to get your head around news like this when it happens,” former Ireland striker Aldridge told us.

"He got married a few days ago, he’s got three kids with his lovely new wife and suddenly it’s all gone.

"It’s a reminder than most of things we worry about in life don’t matter and all I can do is send my condolences to Diogo’s family and friends. It’s just horrible news.

"He will always be fondly remembered by Liverpool fans. They have a great song for him and that will always be sung now.

"Just like Manchester United fans still sing about Eric Cantona 20 years after he left the club, Jota’s song will always be sung by Liverpool fans as he played an important part in the club’s success in recent years.

"He scored some vital goals and everyone said he was a fantastic professional. It’s just hard to believe this has happened today.”

Aldridge didn’t spend too much time with Jota, but he did speak about their shared love of Portugal, where the former Ireland striker has a holiday home.

"I had a lovely chat with Diogo not so long ago about my passion for Portugal and how much I love the home I have down in Praia da Luz,” added Aldridge.

"Portugal is such a beautiful country and they have lost one of their best today, which is so sad.

“What a day like this does is remind us all that we have to live every day to the full. You never know when it might be your last and I’m sure Liverpool will pay a fitting tribute to Diogo when the new season gets underway.”

Rolando’s tribute to his friend and international team-mate was heartfelt, as he posted this message on his social media platforms:

“It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had gotten married.

“To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.”

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