DIO's close friend Pedro Neto temporarily leaves the Club World Cup for him.
DIO passed away in a traffic accident on the A-52 highway near Zamora, Spain, on the 3rd (Korean time). A tire blew, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and ignite, completely burning the car. His brother André Silva also lost his life. He had recently undergone lung surgery and chose to travel by car instead of by plane, but could not escape the tragedy.
Liverpool announced on the 4th, "His football life ended brightly. It concluded with the Premier League championship and UEFA Nations League championship," and stated, "We have decided to permanently retire his jersey number 20 in celebration of the team’s 20th league title for the 2024-2025 season." The ceremony and goal recorded during the Merseyside derby last April became DIO's final score.
Visitors continued to arrive at Anfield, where the club is located. At the Hillsborough disaster memorial, uniforms, bouquets, and cards containing messages were placed. Fans from Manchester United and Everton also left scarves and uniforms in honor of DIO.
DIO, a forward for the Portuguese national team, joined Liverpool in 2020 after playing for Passos de Ferreira, Atlético Madrid, Porto, and Wolverhampton. He scored 65 goals in 182 games and won the Premier League, League Cup, and FA Cup. Last season, he contributed to Liverpool's 20th Premier League title. Just a month ago, he also experienced victory with the Portuguese national team in the UEFA Nations League.
Liverpool’s manager expressed, "I don’t know what to say. The shock and pain are so vivid," adding, "He will not be forgotten. We will remember his goals and sing his songs." Ronaldo expressed his condolences on social media, saying, "It doesn't make sense. You just got married and were with the national team..." U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer also stated during a press conference, "On behalf of all the citizens, I extend my condolences to DIO's family and friends."
DIO was a father of three and a husband who had just started a family. His sudden death has left a deep shock throughout the football community. Liverpool has set up a makeshift memorial for fans to pay their final respects.
Pedro Neto, who is with Chelsea participating in the Club World Cup, was also deeply shocked. Although he is currently competing in the tournament, he received permission from the Chelsea club to return home to attend DIO's funeral. Neto is known to have shared a meal with DIO for over a year at Wolverhampton, as well as being close friends of Portuguese nationality.
[OSEN]