Andy Robertson has joined Liverpool players past and present to pay an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota, who alongside his brother was killed in a car crash on Thursday
Liverpool star Andy Robertson has paid a lengthy and powerful tribute to his late team-mate, Diogo Jota. A fatal car crash in the north west of Spain resulted in the tragic deaths of Jota, 28, and his brother, Andre.
The Portugal international was team-mates with Robertson for five years, as the pair helped Liverpool win the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup. During that time, the Scottish left-back and Jota forged a relationship which transcended the Anfield pitch.
Robertson reflected how much he admired his team-mate in a post on Instagram, with tributes pouring in from around the world. “The ones I’m thinking about most right now are the family. Their loss is too much to bear. I’m so sorry that they have lost two such precious souls – Diogo and Andre,” Robertson began.
“For the team and the Club, we’ll try to cope with this together… however long that takes. For me, I want to talk about my mate. My buddy. The bloke I loved and will miss like crazy. I could talk about him as a player for hours, but none of that feels like it matters right now.
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“It’s the man. The person. He was such a good guy. The best. So genuine. Just normal and real. Full of love for the people he cared about. Full of fun. He was the most British foreign player I’ve ever met. We used to joke he was really Irish… I’d try to claim him as Scottish, obviously. I even called him Diogo MacJota.
“We’d watch the darts together, enjoy the horse racing. Going to Cheltenham this season was a highlight – one of the best we had. The last time I saw him was the happiest day of his life – his wedding day. I want to remember his never-ceasing smile from that magical day. How much he was bursting with love for his wife and family.“I can’t believe we’re saying goodbye. It’s too soon, and it hurts so much. But thank you for being in my life, mate – and for making it better. Love you, Diogo.”
Liverpool’s captain, Virgil van Dijk, also posted an emotional tribute. On Instagram, the Dutch defender wrote: “Man, I can’t believe it, I don’t wanna believe it. Absolutely devastated and in total disbelief. What a human being, what a player, but most importantly what an unbelievable family man.
“You meant so much to all of us and you always will! For your family to lose two sons, a husband and a father is just unimaginable. So cruel and unfair. My heart is breaking for all of your beautiful family, for Rute and for your kids. I promise you that in these difficult times and beyond we will always be there for your family.“A champion forever, number 20 forever. It’s been a privilege to have stood by your side on the pitch, and to have been your friend off it. We will miss you beyond words and never forget you. Your legacy will live on, we will make sure of it! Rest in perfect peace Diogo & Andre.”
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