Diogo Jota's wife and family arrive at chapel for private wake of Liverpool star and brother

Diogo Jota’s grieving wife has arrived at the chapel where the Liverpool star’s coffin has been taken for a private wake ahead of Saturday’s funeral. Rute Cardoso, who only married the 28-year-old footballer on June 22, headed to Sao Cosme Chapel in the town of Gondomar where the couple met and started dating as teenagers early this morning after returning with her partner’s body from Spain late last night.

Father-of-three Diogo was killed in the early hours of Thursday morning along with his footballer brother Andre Silva when their acid green 200mph £180,000 Lamborghini Huracan burst into flames after a suspected tyre blowout on the A-52 highway near Zamora in north-west Spain.

They were heading to the northern Spanish port city of Santander to catch a ferry to the UK after the Liverpool player and Portuguese international was advised not to travel by plane following lung surgery. The siblings' mum, Isabel, and their grandfather were also spotted at the chapel this morning.

Family members were filmed embracing each other as they broke down in tears before walking together towards the chapel. The wake proper is set to start around 4pm, with Portugal’s president Marcelo de Sousa confirming he will be among those arriving at that time to pay their last respects ahead of a funeral mass in the neighbouring church - the Igrega Matriz de Gondomar - at 10am on Saturday.

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It is not yet clear how public the wake will be. The chapel and neighbouring church are around a half-hour drive from the church in Porto where Diogo and his wife got married less than two weeks ago.

Local priest Jose Manuel Macedo initially revealed the funeral would take place at 4pm today before confirming yesterday evening it had been put back to Saturday morning. It is understood the delay was linked to minor paperwork issues the men’s loved ones, who were still in Spain until late yesterday, were trying to resolve before being able to repatriate the bodies.

Gondomar Town Hall issued an emotional statement late yesterday as it confirmed it had decreed a day of official mourning. It said: “Gondomar Town Hall expresses its deepest sympathy at the death of international footballer Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, illustrious Gondomar residents who left prematurely, leaving behind a remarkable sporting career and an example of dedication and professionalism.

“Throughout his career, Diogo Jota stood out for his footballing talent and for the committed way in which he always represented the region and the country, winning national and international recognition. At this time of sorrow and consternation, Gondomar Town Hall extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of these two Gondomar residents.

“By way of tribute, the Mayor of Gondomar Luis Filipe Araujo, has decreed by official order a day of municipal mourning to be observed this Friday, 4 July. “During this period, the municipal flag will be flown at half-mast in all municipal buildings and facilities.”

The mayor described Diogo Jota today as “an extraordinary talent and a true ambassador for Gondomar” where he grew up and went to school. He said: “He stood out for taking the name of the municipality and Portugal to the biggest stages of European and world football with humility, dedication and an enormous sense of responsibility.”

The town hall statement added: “Diogo Jose Teixeira da Silva, known in the world of football as Diogo Jota, and his brother, Andre Filipe Teixeira da Silva, were born in Gondomar and trained in the youth teams of Gondomar Sport Clube, standing out from an early age for their passion and commitment to sport. Their career has taken the name of the municipality to great heights.

“Diogo Jota has established himself as one of the main references in Portuguese football, having represented top clubs and the national team with enormous professionalism and talent, projecting Gondomar and Portugal onto the international stage.

Andre Silva, too, shared the same sporting spirit and always honoured his homeland with his commitment and dignified attitude, setting an example of dedication that made all Gondomar residents proud. Gondomar Town Hall therefore joins in the mourning of the family and all those who feel this irreparable loss deeply, remembering Diogo Jota and Andre Silva as two citizens who, through their lives and careers, honoured the municipality and left a mark that will remain in the collective memory.”

In a separate tribute Rui Paula, the chef at Diogo Silva’s wedding, said: “Heartbreaking news... less than two weeks ago we were celebrating one of the happiest days of your life. Today, we are confronted with this unimaginable tragedy.

“It's impossible to put into words the shock and sadness we feel. You were more than an icon in our midst, who gave so much of yourself for all of us.

“Above all, you were a person of contagious friendliness, always in a good mood, full of life and with a huge heart. Our thoughts are with the family and all those who loved Diogo and Andre. Rest in peace, you will never be forgotten.”

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