Diogo Jota’s physiotherapist has vehemently denied rumors that the Liverpool striker had been partying before the fatal car crash that killed him and his brother Andre in Spain early Thursday morning.
Miguel Goncalves, who had been treating the 28-year-old footballer for a collapsed lung, spoke out to Portuguese outlet Record to defend Jota’s professionalism in his final hours. Goncalves last saw the striker at approximately 8:30 PM on Wednesday evening, just five hours before the tragedy on the A-52 motorway.
“To be clear, Diogo and Andre weren’t partying at all, they weren’t in the so-called ‘good mood’ life, they had nothing that deserved any repair. Nothing,” Goncalves stated emphatically to the Portuguese publication.
Professional to the End
The respiratory physiotherapist painted a picture of a dedicated athlete focused on recovery rather than revelry. He described Jota as an “unparalleled professional” who remained “excited, confident in his recovery and enthusiastic” about the upcoming season.
Goncalves revealed details about the brothers’ travel plans, explaining they had chosen to drive at night specifically because it was cooler. The journey included a scheduled stop at a hotel in the Burgos area before continuing to Santander.
The tragic accident occurred at approximately 12:35 AM on Thursday when their acid green Lamborghini Huracan crashed near Cernadilla, about 10 miles from the Portuguese border. Spanish authorities confirmed a tire blew out while the £180,000 supercar was overtaking another vehicle.
Medical Condition Prevented Flying
The physiotherapist provided crucial context about why Jota was traveling by road rather than flying back to England. The striker had been suffering from a pneumothorax, or collapsed lung, which required surgery following Portugal’s Nations League victory against Spain earlier in June.
“The base of his right lung had collapsed a little, but with the post-surgery physiotherapy he was practically flawless,” Goncalves explained. Medical professionals had specifically advised against air travel following the procedure.
Jota had delayed the operation since May to continue playing through the end of the season. His dedication to returning to fitness was evident in his commitment to the recovery process under Goncalves’ care.
Fatal Journey Details
The brothers had planned to drive to Santander to catch a ferry to Plymouth, avoiding air travel on medical advice. “They were only supposed to arrive in Santander today, catch the boat and then go to England,” Goncalves told Record.
The Lamborghini, capable of speeds exceeding 200mph, left the road after the tire failure, rolled multiple times, and burst into flames. The fire also ignited surrounding vegetation on the isolated stretch of highway approximately one hour west of Zamora.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, but both brothers were pronounced dead at the location. Spanish government official Ángel Blanco confirmed the fatalities to local media.
Investigation Ongoing
Spanish police continue to investigate the exact circumstances of the crash. Authorities have not yet determined who was driving at the time of the accident, though forensic analysis is underway.
The Guardia Civil confirmed in their statement that evidence at the scene indicated “a tire burst while overtaking” caused the vehicle to leave the road. The resulting fire consumed the vehicle, making immediate identification difficult.
Initial investigations suggest no other vehicles were involved in the accident, and the brothers were alone in the car at the time of the crash.
Final Days
The tragedy struck less than two weeks after Jota married his childhood sweetheart Rute Cardoso on June 22. The Catholic ceremony was attended by close family and friends in Portugal.
In what would become his final Instagram post on Wednesday afternoon, Jota shared footage from the wedding. He described himself as “the luckiest man in the world” to be Rute’s husband, unaware of the tragedy that would unfold hours later.
The couple had three children together, with their youngest born last year. Jota’s social media reflected his devotion to family life alongside his professional football career.
Football World Mourns
Liverpool FC released a statement saying the club is “devastated” by the tragedy, calling it an “unimaginable loss” for Jota’s family, friends, and fans worldwide.
Manager Arne Slot expressed his shock: “What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw? My first thoughts are not those of a football manager. They are of a father, a son, a brother and an uncle.”
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, who brought Jota to Anfield in 2020, struggled to comprehend the loss. “This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can’t see it! Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father!”
Tributes at Anfield
Supporters began gathering outside Liverpool’s iconic stadium shortly after news broke on Thursday morning. Many were visibly emotional as they laid flowers, scarves, and personal tributes to the former Wolves and Porto star.
The Portuguese international had become a fan favorite since his £45 million move from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020. He scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool, playing a crucial role in their recent Premier League title triumph.
UEFA announced that a minute’s silence would be observed at all Women’s Euro 2025 matches on Thursday and Friday. The Portuguese Football Federation described the losses as “irreparable” for Portuguese football.
Funeral Arrangements
Jota’s funeral proceedings will begin with a wake at 3 PM on Friday in São Cosme, near his hometown of Porto. The funeral service is scheduled for 10 AM on Saturday at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar.
His brother Andre, 25, who played for Portuguese second division side Penafiel, will be laid to rest alongside the Liverpool star. The younger Silva had been pursuing his own football career in Portugal’s lower divisions.
As the football world continues to process this shocking loss, Goncalves’ testimony provides important clarity about Jota’s final hours – those of a dedicated professional focused on recovery and reunion with his team, not celebration.
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Image credit:
WINNERS (Diogo Jota). Photo by Анна Нэсси (Anna Nessy), via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
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