'I'm heartbroken:' Jurgen Klopp on Diogo Jota's death

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said he was "heartbroken" to learn Diogo Jota, who he signed in 2020, had died with his younger brother Andre in a car crash on Thursday.

Diogo Jota, 28, died alongside Andre after their vehicle veered off a motorway in northern Spain before bursting into flames.

Klopp, who is Red Bull's "head of global soccer", persuaded the Liverpool board to pay £45 million ($62 million) for Diogo Jota after he impressed at Wolves.

"This is a moment where I struggle!" Klopp posted on Instagram.

"There must be a bigger purpose! But I can't see it! I'm heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre.

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with his teammate Diogo Jota after he scored his side's second goal during the Euro 2020 group B qualifying match. File / AP

"Diogo was a not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father!

"We will miss you so much! All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace — Love."

Diogo Jota was labelled an "exceptional player, exceptional boy," by Klopp early on in the player's spell at Liverpool.

Jota took little time to deliver some return on Liverpool's investment, becoming the first player in the club's history to score in his first four home games.

He was a key part of Klopp's side that won the League Cup and FA Cup in 2021/22, narrowly missing out on the Premier League and Champions League for what would have been an unprecedented quadruple.

Agence France-Presse