By Christian Abbott
Diogo Jota has tragically died at the age of 28 following a car crash, according to a local report in Spain. Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the Liverpool forward, calling his passing” devastating during a press conference on Thursday morning. Starmer said his “thoughts are with [Jota’s] family and his friends”. Read more: Birmingham New Street live as travel chaos enters day two with services to be disrupted for hours The Prime Minister said: “This is devastating news. I’m sure I speak for everyone in saying our first thoughts are going to be with his family and his friends in particular. “There are millions of Liverpool fans but also football fans and non fans who will be shocked by this. “I think Liverpool Football Club have just put a statement out, as I understand it. “But it is devastating and it is really important that we bear in mind just how difficult a period it will be for his friends and for his family.” The 28-year-old was killed in a crash near Zamora alongside his brother Andre Silva, 26, also a professional footballer, according to the Spanish news agency EFE. Pedro Proenca, the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, has paid tribute to the footballer. He said: “The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and Andr茅 Silva, this morning, in Spain. “Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 internationalizations for the National A Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself. “On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and Andr茅 Silva, as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where, respectively, lined up the players. “The Portuguese Football Federation has already asked UEFA for a minute’s silence, this Thursday, before the match of our national team with Spain, in the women’s European Championship. “Lost to two champs. The disappearance of Diogo and Andre Silva represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything to, daily, honor their legacy.” Liverpool FC has released a statement on his passing, saying they are “devastated” over the loss of the young footballer. he statement reads: 鈥淟iverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. 鈥淭he club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre. 鈥淟iverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre鈥檚 family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. 鈥淲e will continue to provide them with our full support.鈥