Former Liverpool captain Henderson visits Anfield to pay respects to Diogo Jota

Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson visited Anfield on Friday to pay his respects to Diogo Jota, following the tragic deaths of the Portugal forward and his brother.

A tearful Henderson put down a bouquet of flowers and a Liverpool scarf among the many tributes left by supporters.

The 35-year-old, given space by those in attendance, then took some time to look over notes left by mourners as he became visibly emotional.

Henderson, currently the captain of Dutch side Ajax, spent 12 years with Liverpool between 2011 and 2023 after leaving boyhood club Sunderland.

The midfielder was a teammate of Jota for three years following the forward's move to the Reds from fellow Premier League outfit Wolves in 2020.

Together, under the tutelage of head coach Jurgen Klopp, they won both the FA Cup and EFL Cup with Liverpool in 2022.

Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, tragically passed away in a car accident on Thursday morning.

The Liverpool forward was 28, and his brother was 25.

Henderson shared an emotional statement on social media after their deaths were confirmed.

"I really can't believe what has happened today and all I can think about is Diogo and Andre's family," he said.

"It's unimaginable the pain you all must be suffering. All of our prayers, love and support are with you now and forever.

"Jots, it was a pleasure to share a pitch with you but more importantly a friendship. All the laughs we had off the pitch and trying to find ways to wind Milly (James Milner) up and get him fined, which we never could.

"Taking pictures of me asleep on the bus travelling then sending them to me later. You always wanted to have a laugh and were a pleasure to be around."

Henderson mourns outside AnfieldČTK / AP / Cody Froggatt

Henderson continued: "I know how much Rute (Jota's wife) and your family meant to you and I know you will always be looking down on them. Thank you for everything you brought into this world, we will all miss you.

"Rest in peace along with your brother Andre. Love ya mate. YNWA."