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.
Kelleher and Andy Robertson attending Jota’s wedding 12 days ago[/caption]
Cork native Kelleher has been left in a state of shock after his friend’s passing[/caption]
Jota was a dad to three young children[/caption]
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.
