Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has arrived at a church to pay his respects to Diogo Jota and his younger brother, following the tragic loss of the football star.
The country’s head of government was seen as his staff carried a large funeral wreath into the church from a black Mercedes. His arrival came shortly after super-agent Jorge Mendes visited the site. Meanwhile, Jota’s grief-stricken wife, Rute Cardoso, arrived at the church where the footballer’s coffin lies, attending a private vigil ahead of tomorrow’s funeral.
Thirteen days ago, Cardoso—who married the 28-year-old striker in this very church in Gondomar—first learned of the tragedy. The couple had met at São Cosme Church, which now serves as the venue for mourners to pay their final tributes.
Other family members, including Jota’s grandfather, have also expressed their condolences. Outside the church, the footballer’s close friends were seen weeping and consoling each other, while others brought flowers and wreaths. Some left the site clutching tissues, embracing amid tears.
The church will open to local community members for public condolences this afternoon, with the funeral scheduled for tomorrow.
