'He'll always be a Wolf' - Wolves remember Jota

Diogo Jota played more than 100 times for Wolves between 2017 and 2020

Wolves and their fans say they are shocked and "heartbroken" after their former player, Diogo Jota, died in a car crash aged 28, alongside his brother, Andre Silva.

Jota played more than 100 times for the club from 2017 to 2020, helping them get promoted to the Premier League before his move to Liverpool.

Wolverhampton fundraiser and devoted fan of the club, Manny Singh, said he was left shocked by the news and added that Jota was "a hero of some of the greatest days our generation have ever seen at Wolves".

"I pray somehow the family find strength to come through this tragedy," he added.

Speaking on BBC WM, Wolves fan Darren Clinch said: "It's devastating.

"What an absolute talent, for Wolves, for Liverpool, even for the Portuguese national team.

"He carried the team, he helped the team in the Nuno era, get to the Premier League, qualify for Europe.

"He went on to bigger and better things but what a talent at Wolves he was. I've got some great memories of him."

Jota started playing in England in 2017, when he joined Wolves on loan from Atletico Madrid before making a permanent switch in 2018.

The Portugal forward and his brother died in the crash in the Spanish province of Zamora at about 00:30 local time on Thursday the Guardia Civil told BBC News.

Veteran fundraiser and devoted Wolves fan Manny Singh said he was shocked by the news

Paying tribute to their former player, Wolves said in a statement: "We are heartbroken.

"Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves. The memories he created will never be forgotten.

"Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother, Andre.

"You will be truly missed, and always remembered."

BBC WM sports reporter Mike Taylor said, about Jota's journey with Wolves, "there will be a lot of sad people thinking of Diogo Jota in Wolverhampton".

"He was part of a group of players, big transfers, after the takeover a few years ago," he added.

"A young player coming in from Portugal but he really became emblematic of the whole resurgence of the club at that time.

"A formidable competitor. Diogo Jota is a notable figure in Wolves' recent history."

Floral tributes were placed outside Molineux Stadium around the Billy Wright statue on Thursday

The Wolves Foundation, the official charity of the club, said: "We are all devastated to hear the tragic news of Diogo Jota's passing.

"Not only an incredible player on the pitch, but also such a humble and engaging personality who enriched the lives of foundation participants when visiting projects."

Diogo Jota met young Wolves fans as part of the work he did with the Wolves Foundation

Wolves Fancast, a fan channel and podcast for team, added they were also devastated at the news.

"No words will justify how much he meant to Wolves fans," they said in a post on X.

"Our thoughts with his wife, children and all of his family, friends, and supporters."

Many Wolves fans gathered at Molineux to pay their respects to their former player

Many Wolves fans flocked to Molineux on Thursday to pay their respects.

Speaking to the BBC, Sally Hill said: "It's a massive shock. None of us thought it was true this morning, we thought it was a hoax until it started coming through on different social media sites.

"He helped us get into the Premier League with Nuno. [There are] so many memories."

Kim Hill said: "He had a massive impact - he was part of the Nuno era and we were gutted when he went to Liverpool. He was very well thought of.

"I know he played for Liverpool but he'll always be a Wolf."