Thousands of people gathered this morning in the city of Gondomar to attend the funeral of Diogo Jota, the Liverpool and Portugal national team footballer, who lost his life along with his brother, Andre Silva, in a tragic car accident.
Manchester City defender Ruben Dias – Jota's teammate with the Portuguese national team – arrived at the funeral, dressed entirely in black and holding a bouquet of white roses in his hand.
Jota's former Wolves and Portugal teammate Nelson Semedo was also seen at the funeral.
The coffins of the two brothers have been placed in a church in their hometown, Gondomar.
Shortly before 10:00 a.m., the bodies will be taken from the chapel to the main entrance of the Gondomar Parish Church.
While only family and close friends will be allowed inside the church, the ceremony will be broadcast live to the large audience present.
Yesterday, thousands of citizens honored Jota's memory during tributes, placing flowers and memorial objects in the chapel where his body rested.
Today, many fans gathered outside the church wearing the jerseys of the teams the two brothers played for – to bid farewell to one of Portugal's most beloved footballers.
Among those present was renowned agent Jorge Mendes, who arrived dressed in a black suit and black tie.
Manchester City captain and another of Jota's international team-mates, Bernardo Silva, was also seen outside the church. Former Liverpool players Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara also arrived at the ceremony.
The Liverpool delegation entered the church carrying two wreaths in the shape of shirts, with the numbers 20 and 30 - one for Diogo Jota and the other for his brother, Andre Silva.
The crowd present outside the building erupted in applause as they entered.
Today's ceremony marks a painful moment for the family, friends, teammates and fans of Diogo Jota - a footballer who will be remembered not only for his talent on the pitch, but also for the spirit and humility that characterized him./Express newspaper/
edition
t7 live
