Cristiano Ronaldo and Jurgen Klopp lead tributes following death of Liverpool striker Diogo Jota aged 28

After news of the star player's death emerged, Cristiano wrote: "Doesn't make any sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you were married.

"To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and Andre We will all miss you."

The Liverpool star died alongside his brother, Andre Silva, in a car crash during the early hours of Thursday morning - just two weeks after the father-of-three tied the knot to his long term girlfriend.

"This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose, but I can't see it," Jurgen Klopp wrote on social media.

"I'm heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre.

"Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father."

"We will miss you so much. All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them."

Spanish police confirmed the deaths in a statement on Thursday, describing how the tyre on the Lamborghini the pair were travelling in blew out during an overtake, with the vehicle leaving the road before bursting into flames.

In a statement released by Liverpool FC, the club spoke of their "devastation" at the striker's passing.

"The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre."

"Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss," the club wrote in an official statement.

Adding: "We will continue to provide them with our full support."

Read more: Liverpool star Diogo Jota, 28, killed in car crash in Spain two weeks after getting married

Former England international and football pundit Gary Neville led tributes to the Liverpool striker, tweeting: "That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family."

A prominent figure in Portugal's international squad, having gained nearly 50 international caps for his country, Jota's teammates have paid tribute to the Portuguese striker.

Paying tribute on Thursday, Ruben Neves said: "They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you!"

Former Liverpool player Jamie also paid tribute, taking to social media to describe his "devastation", writing: "Absolutely devastated by the sad news about Diogo Jota."

FC Porto, one of Jota's former clubs, paid tribute to the striker in a short post on Thursday.

Speaking of their "shock and deep sorrow" following the news, the club said: "It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks."Rest in peace."

Jota spent a year on loan at Porto, the city where he was born, during the 2016/17 season.