The Reds' boss said he wished he had the words "but know I do not" to pay tribute after the star's death in a car crash early yesterday.

Liverpool fans leave tributes for deceased star Diogo Jota

Liverpool manager Arne Slot said the club will sing tragic Diogo Jota's song and vowed the unique player will never be forgotten

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said he was heartbroken by the death of his 'great friend'

It came as former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said he was heartbroken by the death of his "great friend" and posted a photo of the pair hugging on the pitch,

He wrote on social media: "This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can't see it!"

FA Patron Prince William also mourned the deaths of the 28-year-old player and his brother Andre Silva, 25, saying: "As part of the footballing family, I am deeply saddened.

"Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him."

In a statement issued by the club, Slot revealed his last conversation with Diogo was to congratulate him on winning the Nations League with Portugal, and wish him luck for his wedding.

He said it had been a "dream summer" for the player.

He said Diogo summed up the essence of a Liverpool player, with "hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, goals".

And he vowed: "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."

And referencing the song fans sang for the star, he finished his statement: "His name is Diogo."

Slot said when he first joined the club last year, he realised fans "had such a unique chant for Diogo, he must have special qualities".

He described him as "a person who never sought popularity but found it anyway".

Klopp signed Diogo from Wolves in September 2020, and the pair became very close.

He said: "I'm heartbroken. Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father! We will miss you so much!"

Club captain Virgil van Dijk said: "Man, I can't believe it, I don't wanna believe it. Absolutely devastated and in total disbelief."

He added: "A champion forever, number 20 forever. It's been a privilege to have stood by your side on the pitch, and to have been your friend off it."

Tributes from around the world, across sport and politics, poured in for the Liverpool ace and his brother, who was also a footballer.

"I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you", Jota's Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.

Flowers, scarves and messages were laid outside Anfield, where flags flew at half mast, with fans in floods of tears paying their respects.

Diogo's Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo said his pal's tragic death "doesn't make any sense".

He shared a black and white photo of Jota and said: "Just now we were together in the national team, just now you got 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."

England and ex-Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold said: "It's so difficult to find the right words when your head and heart are struggling to accept that someone you care so much about has gone."

The Portuguese national team said they are devastated, adding Jota was not only a fantastic player with almost 50 caps for the team, but also an extraordinary person.

Diogo's former club FC Porto said it is in mourning. Andre had been a youth player there.

The Premier League described Diogo — who won the title this year — as a "champion who will be forever missed".

Uefa said its thoughts were with those affected "by this heartbreaking loss".

The Liverpool flag flies at half-mast outside Anfield

Fans of rival club Everton have also laid tributes at Anfield

It said a silence will be observed at Women's Euro 2025 matches yesterday and today.

Ex-Liverpool star and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher said he was "absolutely devastated" and the club's Premier League opener against Bournemouth on August 15 will be an "outpouring of emotion".

"An excellent colleague, friend, and above all, a great father. Thanks for everything, my friend. We'll always remember you. A hug to heaven. R.I.P", Ex-Wolves forward Raul Jimenez.

He said: "In a state of shock. It's so sad and devastating for his wife and three wonderful children."

Diogo's Portugal and ex-Wolves team-mate Ruben Neves said: "They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you."

Ex-Wolves forward Raul Jimenez paid tribute, adding: "An excellent colleague, friend, and above all, a great father. Thanks for everything, my friend. We'll always remember you. A hug to heaven. R.I.P."

Wolves said he will be "missed and always remembered".

England's Jude Bellingham sent "love and strength" to the star's family.

Comedian and Liverpool fan John Bishop described it as heartbreaking.

US basketball star LeBron James, a part-owner of Liverpool, wrote on X: "My prayers go out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA [You'll Never Walk Alone] JOTA!!"

Manchester City ace Jack Grealish posted a picture of the forward, adding: "Honestly lost for words. So heartbreaking."

Yesterday, Liverpool fans stood in stunned silence outside Anfield.

Many hugged each other in disbelief as they tried to come to terms with the tragedy.

Deputy PM Angela Rayner arrived to lay flowers, saying: "I'm absolutely devastated for his wife, his children and his family. Just seeing the outpouring across the whole of the city is incredible."