Mohamed Salah paid tribute to Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota, saying his sad passing left him "lost for words" and that it would be "extremely difficult to accept."

Jota was killed in a car crash in Spain, along with his brother, Andre Silva, with the accident taking place shortly after midnight local time on Thursday. 

Salah, who played 151 matches with Jota during their time at Anfield, is one of many Liverpool players to send heartfelt messages towards the 28-year-old. 

Together, the pair won four major honours for Liverpool, which included the Premier League title in 2024-25, as well as the FA Cup and two EFL Cups. 

Indeed, it was Salah who assisted Jota on the opening day of the 2024-25 season, in a 2-0 win away to Ipswich Town last August, the first competitive goal of the Arne Slot era. 

Jota, who joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020, made 182 appearances for the Reds across all competitions, scoring 65 times and registering 24 assists. 

"I am truly lost for words," said Salah. "Until yesterday, I never thought there would be something that would frighten me of going back to Liverpool after the break.

"Team-mates come and go but not like this. It's going to be extremely difficult to accept that Diogo won't be there when we go back.

"My thoughts are with his wife, his children, and, of course, his parents, who suddenly lost their children.

"Those close to Diogo and his brother Andre need all the support they can get. They will never be forgotten."

Following the news of Jota's death, a tribute outside Anfield has been built up, with many leaving flowers, scarves and other items to remember the Portugal international. 

Former Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson returned to Merseyside to pay his respects to a player he captained for three seasons on Friday.  

"I really can't believe what has happened today and all I can think about is Diogo and Andre's family," Henderson said in an Instagram post on Thursday.

"It's unimaginable the pain you all must be suffering. All of our prayers, love and support are with you now and forever.

"Jots, it was a pleasure to share a pitch with you, but more importantly a friendship. All the laughs we had off the pitch and trying to find ways to wind Milly [James Milner] up and get him fined, which we never could.

"Taking pictures of me asleep on the bus travelling, then sending them to me later... You always wanted to have a laugh and were a pleasure to be around.

"I know how much Rute and your family meant to you and I know you will always be looking down on them. Thank you for everything you brought into this world, we will all miss you.

"Rest in peace along with your brother Andre. Love ya mate. YNWA."