Liverpool forward Diogo Jota had recently undergone lung surgery and was advised not to travel by air. Due to this medical recommendation, the Portuguese international opted to drive to the northern Spanish city of Santander, where he planned to take a ferry to the UK. He was accompanied by his brother, Andre Silva, at the time of the fatal accident.
According to CNN Portugal’s Rui Laura (via GOAL), Jota intended to drive onto the ferry and continue his journey to Liverpool by car once he reached the UK. The journalist stated:”
Because of the lung surgery he had undergone, he was told not to fly. So he was heading to Santander to take the ferry to the UK and then drive to Liverpool from there, accompanied by his brother.”
Victor Pinto, another journalist speaking on CMTV (via GOAL), mentioned that Jota often preferred traveling by road, partly due to occasional respiratory discomfort. He explained:
“Jota sometimes chose to drive rather than fly because of mild pulmonary issues. And as we know, there’s a ferry service connecting northern Spain to southern England.”
Jota was en route to rejoin Liverpool for the start of pre-season training on Monday. Last season, he made 26 Premier League appearances, scoring six goals and providing three assists, contributing significantly to Liverpool’s title-winning campaign.
Liverpool Retire #20 Jersey to Honor Jota
Following Jota’s tragic passing on July 3, Liverpool announced they will retire his #20 shirt in tribute. The club released a heartfelt statement:”
In what heartbreakingly became his final chapter in football, Jota helped Liverpool clinch the Premier League title and also won the UEFA Nations League with Portugal. His No.20 jersey will be permanently honored for the vital role he played in Liverpool’s 2024-25 title triumph. His last goal—a signature finish in the Merseyside derby at Anfield—will remain an emotional memory for fans.”
That final goal secured a 1-0 win over Everton. Jota also featured off the bench for Portugal in both the UEFA Nations League semifinal against Germany and the final against Spain, helping his country lift the trophy for the second time in their history.
