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DEREK Lyng has made two changes from his Kilkenny team that defeated Galway in the Leinster hurling final.

Eoin Cody returns to the side to face Tipperary having been out with a leg injury since Kilkenny’s Leinster round two 2-30 to 2-12 win against Antrim.

The Shamrocks Ballyhale forward scored 1-13 on the day and with the last act of the game he got a goal from a free.

The other change from the Leinster final win comes at the opposite end of the field with corner-back Shane Murphy replacing Tommy Walsh who drops to the bench.

The Glenmore man makes his first championship start since the Leinster round one clash with Galway.

Murphy was absent from all matchday squads following the game and only reappeared on the bench when they met the Tribesmen again in Croke Park.

There is also some movement within the starting 15 from the last day out with Martin Keoghan having to switch wings to accommodate Cody.

The half-forward line has also been reshaped with captain John Donnelly moving into the centre-forward position from wing-forward with Adrian Mullen going the other way.

The Cats will be without 21-year-old Harry Shine – who made his competitive debut against Wexford in the league this year – for Sunday’s crunch clash as he’s suffered a season-ending cruciate ligament injury.

Stephen Donnelly replaces the injured Shine on the bench while Billy Drennan takes the place of Marty Murphy in the matchday squad.

Tipperary remain unchanged from the team that cruised past Galway in the quarter-final.

Peter McGarry keeps his place in midfield from the his first championship start for Tipperary two weeks ago.

The St. Mary’s man only made his senior debut off the bench against Laois in the preliminary quarter-final a week previous.

KILKENNY: E Murphy; M Butler, H Lawlor, S Murphy; M Carey, R Reid, P Deegan; C Kenny, J Molloy; A Mullen, J Donnelly (C), B Ryan; M Keoghan, T Reid, E Cody.

Substitutes: A Tallis, T Walsh, D Blanchfield, P Moylan, K Doyle, Z Bay Hammond, F MacKessy, S Donnelly, L Hogan, L Connellan, B Drennan.

TIPPERARY: R Shelly; R Doyle, E Connolly, M Breen; C Morgan, R Maher(C), B O’Mara; W Connors, P McGarry; J Morris, A Ormond, S O’Farrell; D McCarthy, J McGrath, J Forde.

Substitutes: B Hogan, J Caesar, S Kenneally, S Kennedy, B McGrath, N McGrath, O O’Donoghue, J Ryan, C Stakelum, D Stakelum, A Tynan.

MIKEL ARTETA is appointing Manchester United title winner Gabriel Heinze to his Arsenal staff. 

The former Argentina star, 47, will join the group after 29-year-old Carlos Cuesta left his role as assistant coach to become manager of Parma. 

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Gabriel Heinz is on the verge of returning to the Premier League with Arsenal[/caption]

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Mikel Arteta has lost his assistant coach Carlos Cuesto[/caption]

Heinze spent three years with the Red Devils after joining from PSG – where he played with a teenage Arteta. 

The defender has been described by the Gunners boss as one of the “unbelievable players” he played with, and an “inspiration”. 

Arteta previously said: “The other inspirations were (Mauricio) Pochettino and Heinze, those two were next to me all the time, behind me, and they were guiding me in everything I had to do in my professional life, how I had to understand the game and they were inspirational to me.”

Heinze will join the backroom staff alongside assistant Albert Stuivenberg, goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana, set-piece coach Nicolas Jover and first-team coach Miguel Molina.

Heinze moved to Old Trafford for £6.9million in 2004 and became a cult hero among fans – scoring on his debut against Bolton. 

But a lengthy injury lay-off saw Sir Alex Ferguson sign Patrice Evra, who became first-choice left-back in the title-winning 2006-07 season. 

He left Man Utd after 83 games under a cloud after trying to force a move to bitter rivals Liverpool before eventually being shipped to Real Madrid.

As well as winning the Premier League he won domestic titles in France, Spain and Argentina as well as Olympic gold. 

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He made 72 appearances for Argentina, including at two Fifa World Cups and the Copa America.

Heinze has had managerial spells at five clubs since 2015, leaving his most recent stint at Newell’s Old Boys in his homeland in 2023.

ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest rumours from the Emirates

SHOPPERS are in a frenzy over a “pretty” midi skirt that is sure to sparkle in the summer sun.

The embellished new arrival is part of Rita Ora’s latest collaboration with the retail giant.

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The brown beaded skirt is priced at £16[/caption]

TikTok/@Primark

Fashion fans have insisted the skirt looks like it belongs in Zara[/caption]

TikTok/Primark Lincoln

It is meticulously detailed with sequins and beading[/caption]

The summer 2025 pieces dropped in stores across the country last week much to the delight of fashion fans, who have hailed it as “sensational”.

Bosses at the high street retailer say it is “inspired by golden Ibiza skies, ‘70s icons, and unforgettable summer moments”.

And the Rita Ora Beaded Midi Skirt, in particular, has grabbed the attention of shoppers.

Despite looking expensive, it is actually incredibly affordable too – priced at just £16.

So if you’re looking for a show-stopping addition to your wardrobe without breaking the bank, you’ve come to the right place.

The brown midi skirt is covered in sequins, beading and embroidered floral details, and is available in sizes XXS to XL.  

According to Primark bosses, the midi length “keeps it polished, while the elasticated waistband makes it easy to slip on and go”. 

Describing it on the website, they added: “Bring the sparkle with this Rita Ora Beaded Midi Skirt.

“Designed in a rich brown, this layer is covered in swirling embroidery, beaded flowers and mini sequins that catch the light as you move.”

If you really want to elevate the look, you can pair the skirt with the matching beaded halter neck top priced at £12.

Alternatively, opt for an oversized T-shirt and sandals or trainers for a more casual finish.

Fashion fans react

Since hitting the rails last week, fashion fans have been racing to snap up the brown midi skirt.

And they’ve been sharing their glowing comments on social media.

One gushed: “It’s giving Zara, not Primark. I still can’t believe it’s from Primark. It’s so pretty.”

A second wrote: “Look at the detail on it. Sequins, beading, love the colour. Really gorgeous.

“I got this in a small and it’s £16. It’s absolutely gorgeous. It looked cute on the hanger but pairing it with the right things [an oversized tee] it now looks 10 out of 10.

“I absolutely love this and the fact that it’s £16, you know it’s definitely staying in my wardrobe.”

A third added: “This brown skirt is giving like something you would stumble across in a charity shop, a hidden gem. Like that old, vintage brown and the bedazzled beads.”

“The brown skirt oh my god”, cried a fourth.

And a fifth echoed: “The brown skirt wowwww.”

Hot Right Now singer Rita, 34, has been a brand ambassador for Primark since 2023, allowing fashion fans to shop her “famous style for less”.

The star, often seen in designer clothing, said she was keen to honour her roots and love for the high street brand.

Her latest 84-piece collection starts from £5 with the most expensive item – a double-breasted blazer – priced at £40.

She said she was excited by the prospect of developing her own affordable fashion collection that offered quality and value. after signing a multi-season deal.

But we told how shoppers were convinced they’d spotted a spelling mistake on a baby tee from her spring 2025 collection – and you can’t unsee it

DIANA Vickers has thrown her support behind Sabrina Carpenter after the pop superstar faced backlash for her provocative new album cover.

US siren Sabrina came in for criticism for the Man’s Best Friend image, which shows her on all fours as a man holds a fistful of her hair.

Just Between Us

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She has stuck up for Sabrina Carpenter after the singer faced criticism for this album cover[/caption]

The pint-sized singer then released an alternative version, recreating a classic Marilyn Monroe photo, and joked it had been “approved by God”.

But Diana, 33, whose new podcast Just Between Us with relationship guru Alice Giddings debuted this week, doesn’t believe Sabrina should be judged for how she uses her own body.

In an exclusive interview with The Sun, she said: “I absolutely love Sabrina Carpenter, I think she’s amazing.

“I think she’s absolutely gorgeous and playful and beautiful and talented and I just rate her. I think that women should be able to be sexy and do whatever they want with their bodies and not have any judgement.

“I think that we think that we’re moving forward but sometimes you go on TikTok and look at comments and there’s these trolls, isn’t there? You think that you’re taking a step forward but people are so quickly to turn and judge about female bodies and being over sexual, but then people say if you’re not sexual enough then they judge you as well, it’s like women sometimes just can’t get it right and it’s hard.

“People are always going to say something, but I think that she is absolutely, I’m obsessed with that girl, so I think go for it girl.”

Diana, who found fame in 2009 when she reached the semi-final of The X Factor, has always been an open book when it comes to her own love life.

She even turns her dating past into hilarious comedy songs on her other podcast Ki & Dee.

Now she’s being more candid than ever, exploring topics including female orgasms and losing virginity.

“I’ve always just been quite open about who I am and I don’t hide away from those conversations,” she said.

“We had a caller the other day and she was talking about losing her virginity and we just have to sort of open up and talk about all of our experiences, and I guess I’ve never really spoken about that publicly before, but you sort of just get stuck in and end up having a really interesting conversation and learning about everyone’s different experiences.

“A caller rang me the other week and she couldn’t have any orgasms. No table is left unturned and you’ve sort of just got to deep dive in.”

When it comes to her own love life, finding time to fit in dates around her hectic work schedule is proving tough.

Single and ready to mingle, Diana, 33, recently squeezed in a brunch date and found herself getting to know a guy over eggs and avocado.

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Diana found fame on The X Factor in 2008[/caption]

She said: “I do think with me it’s quite important to be with someone that’s in the creative industry, I’ve always sort of gone for those people and I think that it helps understand because it’s all a bit mad, there’s no schedule, it’s all over the place.

“I’m super creative and I need someone to connect with and understand me.

“I think some people have been a bit overwhelmed by things before, about how fast paced things go with me.”

A creative powerhouse, Diana scored a number one in 2009 with both her debut single, Once, and album, Songs from The Tainted Cherry Tree.

Her follow up LP, Music to Make Boys Cry, charted at 37.

In the years since, Diana has made a name for herself on stage, most recently playing Gwyneth Paltrow in I Wish You Well – a comedic musical retelling the actress’s 2023 court case in which she was sued after colliding with a man on a ski slope.

But Diana hasn’t forgotten her first love of creating original music, and we could soon hear new material.

She said: “I have got some stuff there and it’s really, really good, and I have got a team around me that we are working on. It’s just now about when to launch it sort of thing, but it’s really good and it’s really exciting, and I do want the world to hear it.

“I’ve said I’ll always make a comeback for the gays and the girlies, I have a really big gay following and this year I headlined Edinburgh Pride. I do a lot of gay gigs and they just really, really love it.”

Until then, Diana won’t be short of inspiration as the nation’s newest agony aunt.

Just Between Us is available on all podcast platforms.

NEW Athlone Town owner Nick Giannotti has vowed not to be an absentee landlord.

The American Plymouth Argyle director has taken over the Midlands club through his club Redball Energy.

There has been significant upheaval and uncertainty at Athlone since another USA-based venture, Valeo, cut off its funding at the end of last season.

But, in an open letter on the club’s website, Giannotti – who oversaw the appointment of Ian Ryan as manager last month – laid out his credentials.

Giannott said: “As I have yet to spend a significant amount of time on the ground with the Club and in the community, getting to know all of you, please afford me the opportunity to introduce myself briefly.

“Many of you may be skeptical, as I am not local to Athlone, but I can assure you that I am not just another disconnected, non-Irish owner.

“I was born and raised in San Diego, California, where I grew up playing football for a club called the Nomads and won three national championships.

“As a teenager, I was fortunate enough to spend two summers in the Northwest of England playing with the team, witnessing firsthand the significance of football to local communities.

“My father immigrated to the United States from Italy through Ellis Island. His story echoes that of so many Irish families who made a new life abroad.

“My wife, whose roots trace back to Cork, also studied at university in Dublin. Together, we have two young children, and our family is proud to now become part of the Athlone community.

“Professionally, I co-founded Redball Energy, a solar company I’ve had the privilege to lead for over 15 years.

“More recently, I’ve had the chance to merge my professional skills and personal passion by serving as a Director and minority shareholder of Plymouth Argyle FC.

“Football is a lifelong passion of mine, and it is with that same energy, respect, and drive that I come to Athlone.

“While I am not from Ireland, I know how much this club means to its supporters and its town. I understand the responsibility of this role.

“Please know that I am not here to change Athlone’s identity. I aim to honour it, to protect it, and to grow it alongside all of you.”

Athlone’s men’s team are rooted to the foot of the First Division whilst their women’s team are preparing for a Champions League qualifier against Cardiff City.

And he vowed there are better times ahead for the club as a whole.

He said: “There are many things that my team and I intend to do, but our vision is rooted in two principles: driving excellence and financial sustainability.

“We will invest in the club’s infrastructure, our players, and our staff.

“We will work tirelessly to build financial stability, sustainability, and increase revenue streams, enabling our teams to succeed on the pitch.

“We will become a club that nurtures and showcases young talent, both from Ireland and beyond, guided by data, smart recruitment, and a relentless commitment to improvement, both on and off the pitch.”

IF you’re looking for an affordable way to revamp your hallway, Morrisons has just the thing.

Shoppers can nab a stylish decor buy without breaking the budget, but you’ll want to be quick.

Facebook/ExtremeCouponingAndBargainsUK

A Morrisons shopper shared a furniture deal currently available from the supermarket[/caption]

The furniture piece is currently on sale at a reduced price from the popular supermarket.

A shopper shared the deal in the Facebook group Extreme Couponing and Home Bargains UK.

Bargain buy

The Wankast Wall Unit Koopman Cabinet Large is available for just £15 from Morrisons.

However, the sale signage prompted customers to act fast, reminding them “when it’s gone, it’s gone”.

The minimalist shelving unit can be used to display everything from houseplants to ornaments.

Interior design approved

Interiors experts at Lahart Carpentry explained the benefits of adding wall units in your space.

They pointed out that built-in shelves can help to utilise vertical space.

“To maximise space efficiency, incorporating built-in shelves that use vertical space is a smart design choice,” the pros said.

“Maximising storage is essential in smaller rooms, and vertical shelving allows for more items to be stored without taking up valuable floor space.”

As well as helping to boost your storage, wall units can also give the illusion of a bigger space.

“Creating height with built-in shelves draws the eye upwards, making the room appear larger and more spacious,” the experts explained.

“Functional elegance can be achieved by incorporating built-ins that not only serve a practical purpose but also enhance the overall aesthetic of the room.

“By strategically incorporating vertical built-ins, one can create a room that not only looks bigger but also functions more efficiently.”

More interior design tips

A viral interior design trend could be making your home look “cheap”, according to one expert.

Plus, the B&M and Primark buys one homeowner used to transform their balcony.

Another DIY enthusiast transformed her council house by creating her own storage units on a budget.

One homeowner gave their kitchen a DIY makeover using a budget buy from Shein.

And two new parents used savvy steps to create a fancy looking nursery.

Another woman received mixed reactions after giving her hallway a makeover.

A Homebase buy can also be used to level up your bedroom.

Alamy

Morrisons encouraged shoppers to act fast on the furniture offer (stock image)[/caption]

Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories: Bising exits PAR; re-entry by Monday not ruled out Tropical Depression Bising has exited the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), but the state weather bureau is not ruling out the possibility of its re-entry to the western boundary of PAR by Monday. In its bulletin issued at

AN EIGHT-year-old boy has been discovered being raised by a pack of dogs in a filthy hut and unable to talk.

The neglected youngster can only communicate through barks after being abandoned by his drug-addicted family and kept out of school.

Khaosod English

Authorities found an eight-year-old boy being raised by dogs in a filthy hut in Thailand[/caption]

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The 46-year-old mother and 23-year-old brother were charged with drug offences[/caption]

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The boy was taken away and placed in a care home[/caption]

Thai authorities found the boy during a raid on a run-down stilt house in the norther province of Uttaradit this week

They discovered the child living with his mother and 23-year-old brother who were both riddled with drugs, tests showed.

Police visited the hut after the principle of the local school contacted a children’s activist, Paveena Hongsakul, who escalated the case.

Paveena said: “He didn’t speak, he just barked. It was pitiful to see.”

The boy had never been to school properly.

However, his mum did take him in once to scoop up the government support money supposed to be spent on his education, Khaosod English reports.

Paveena said: “His mother hasn’t allowed him to go to school since he received a subsidy for free education.

“After getting the money, she simply kept him at home.”

Neighbours said the 46-year-old mum would beg for money and food at the temple in the local village.

The surrounding families reportedly got fed up with the mum’s reckless behaviour and banned their kids from interacting with the boy.

This left him with only the family’s six dogs to socialise with.

Starved of meaningful human contact, he began mimicking the dog’s behaviour – and even adopted their barks to communicate.

The urgent social visit on June 30 was a joint operation between Lap Lae police officers and Education Ministry officials.

After the adults failed urine tests, they were charged with drug consumption.

A local teacher said: “The house is in a red zone for drugs. The boy had no one, just the dogs to play with.”

The helpless child was placed into car at the Uttaradit’s Children’s Home.

Paveena is monitoring the boy’s case to ensure he receives adequate care.

She said: “The boy will be given a chance at a good life.

“We’ll follow up with him to make sure he gets everything he needs.”

JUNE proved to be the most hectic month for wine travel in recent years and included a return trip to South Africa, and a wonderful few days in Rioja and Riber del Duero, Spain.

While away it dawned on me that even after some 26 years of discovering and enjoying what wine has to offer, I sometimes forget that wine is a living thing – and as you open a bottle it begins to fade and die.

Getty Images - Getty

The demise can be delayed for a very short time, but within days it will become undrinkable.

The aromas will evaporate and it will be unpalatable, for the air we breathe is wine’s worst enemy.

So, what is all the fuss and talk about opening a bottle of wine. . . to let it breathe?

Most wines will become more expressive on the nose after a short exposure to the air. This practice is referred to as “opening up”.

Younger wines, particularly those that prove to be rather tannic, can certainly do with a swirl in the glass. The tannins will not disappear, but that swirl will loosen them up a little.

For wines over four years old I would certainly recommend decanting to aerate them. To allow them to breathe.

Remember, wine is a living thing and will always react to the air as soon as the bottle is opened.

It has little exposure to the air while in the bottle, so pouring a glass, or decanting, will always help.

As soon as you open a bottle of wine what is inside begins to fade and die.

The demise can be delayed, but within days it will become undrinkable.

The aromas will have evaporated, and it will be unpalatable for the air we breathe is wine’s worst enemy.

Most wines can sit there after being decanted and will develop and be very drinkable for some hours.

But the older the wine – and I am generally talking anything over 15 years here – the window of opportunity to taste them once opened can diminish dramatically.

PLEASURE TO TASTE

I once had the pleasure of tasting a minute amount of a 1952 Rioja. It was marvellous. But its aromas and taste seemed to disappear in 30 minutes.

And if you do happen to have a little wine over, pop the cork back in and stick it in the fridge overnight. This will slow the wine’s demise down.

Younger, easy-drinking wines, and particularly those produced in the past three years or so, are generally made to be enjoyed within a year or two after their vintage.

Less than one per cent of the wines produced globally each year are capable of maturing over a long period, developing new notes on the nose and palate.

These, inevitably, happen to be the more expensive bottles on the shelves of your local off-licence.

WORTHY WINES

SPAIN continues to over deliver on quality at all price points.

A visit to two of the biggest producers and suppliers to the Irish market in recent days was very impressive and I will write about them and their wines next week.

As for South Africa, I can’t get over the enthusiasm of its wine makers, particularly the growing number of talented women making great wines across the nation.

I will certainly feature them in the coming weeks.

For now, here are three great new additions to the summer range at O’Briens Wines.

Rentas de Fincas Rioja Reserva 2019 (ABV 13.5%)

Currently €19.95 @ O’Briens Wine

Grapes: Garnacha & Tempranillo

A MOST welcome addition to O’Briens’ impressive listings from Spain’s Rioja region.

Modern techniques are used judiciously to craft a delicious red reflecting Rioja’s long wine making tradition.

A deep ruby colour, with ripe red fruit aromas and hints of spice and tobacco, the palate is smooth and delivers notes of oak, strawberries, raspberries and cherries. Nice length.

Enjoy with: Grilled duck breasts

Star rating: ****

Quincy Quartz AOC 2019 (ABV 13.5%)

Currently €26.95 @ O’Briens Wine

Grape: Sauvignon Blanc

ELEGANT and highly aromatic Sauvignon Blanc from Quincy, a small commune southwest of Sancerre in the Loire valley.

A vibrant pale lemon straw colour, it has lively aromas of citrus, Granny Smiths and fresh-cut grass.

The palate is fresh, with nice acidity and dominant lemon citrus. stone fruit and herbaceous notes. The lingering and lively finish has a lovely mineral note.

Enjoy with: Shellfish

Star rating: ****

MAN Family Wines Jan Fiskaal Merlot 2023 (ABV 13.5%)

Currently €14.95 @ O’Briens Wine

Grapes: Merlot, Cinsault

THIS elegant, dark ruby Merlot is crafted with fruit harvested in South Africa’s Western Cape.

It has a nice, intense bouquet of ripe plum, cherry and spices, while the warm, full palate has earthy notes and hints of ripe soft red fruits, blueberries and chocolate.

The tannins are super soft and the finish is long and lingering.

Enjoy with: Spicy pasta dishes.

Star rating: ****

CAOIMHIN Kelleher called Diogo Jota “one of my closest friends in football” in a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram.

Everyone connected with Liverpool FC was plunged into a state of shock on Thursday as news broke of the star forward’s tragic death in a car accident.

@caoimhinkelleher98

Kelleher and Andy Robertson attending Jota’s wedding 12 days ago[/caption]

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Cork native Kelleher has been left in a state of shock after his friend’s passing[/caption]

@caoimhinkelleher98

Jota was a dad to three young children[/caption]

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A chunk of the Liverpool squad, including Kelleher and Jota, enjoyed a trip to the Cheltenham Festival in March[/caption]

The crash also claimed the life of his brother Andre who was a professional footballer too. Their bodies will be laid to rest at a funeral service in their native Portugal on Saturday.

The sense of sadness around the Reds ace’s life being cut so cruelly short is compounded by the fact that he wed his long-term partner Rute just 12 days ago.

Ireland goalkeeper Kelleher reflected on how he’s struggling to come to terms with his pal being gone while sharing a photo in attendance at that joyful occasion less than a fortnight ago.

He conceded: “Jots. Can’t believe I’m writing this right now and I’m finding it hard to put into words. I’m absolutely devastated by this news.

“All my thoughts and condolences are with Rute and their three beautiful kids and Diogo and Andre’s family.

“It was a such a pleasure to get to know you over these years and to share some special memories on the pitch and even more so off it.

“You became one of my closest friends in football. We bonded over all things sports watching any football match we could find often your brother Andre’s game on your iPad.

“I was surprised a lad from Portugal loved sports such as darts, snooker and horse racing so much and some of my best memories were having a laugh watching them with you.

“You were such a fun genuine, normal down to earth and loving family man and always very competitive I’m gonna miss our pre match programme quiz.

“I feel so blessed and grateful to have seen you on your happiest day, the day of your wedding and to be able to share in that day with you was special. I’ll never forget it.

“You were deeply loved by everyone at the club, the city and all over the world.

“It’s gonna hurt for a long time and I’m gonna miss you so much but I feel so lucky to have got know you and have such a good friend. Love you Diogo.”

Jota and his brother died late on Wednesday night when a tyre on his Lamborghini blew out and the car hurtled off the road, catching fire.

The crash occurred on the A52, near the municipality of Palacios de Sanabria at around 12:40am (11:40pm Irish time), local police confirmed.

The dad-of-three was believed to have been driving a luxury acid green Lamborghini Huracan and travelling towards a port in the northern city of Santander.

FERRY PLAN

He was due to catch a ferry this morning after being advised not to take a plane due to a recent lung surgery, according to CNN Portugal.

The Portuguese ace had missed several matches last season after suffering a rib injury in October during a match against Chelsea.

Jota was due to return to Liverpool to take part in the club’s pre-season games which start later this month.

The striker is said to have had lunch with his wife and three children hours before his death in a paradise Atlantic Ocean resort dubbed “the most beautiful land” in Portugal.

Emergency crews rushed to the crash site in the early hours of Thursday morning and managed to put out the flames.

Both brothers were tragically pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Zamora Provincial Council.