THE top chef who catered at Diogo Jota’s dream wedding just 11 days before the Liverpool idol’s car crash death spoke of his shock and sorrow.
Rui Paula – a Portuguese restaurant guru with two Michelin stars – laid on the glitzy reception feast for Jota and his childhood sweetheart Rute Cardoso on June 22.
The Liverpool star tragically died in a car crash in Spain[/caption]
The site of the car accident in the north-western city of Zamora, Spain[/caption]
But Rui poured out his pain yesterday after witnessing the happiest day of the soccer star’s life days before an “unimaginable tragedy.”
The 57-year-old chef said in an emotional Instagram post: “Less than two weeks ago we were celebrating one of the happiest days of your life.
“Today we face this unimaginable tragedy.
“It is impossible to put into words the shock and sadness we feel. You were more than an icon in our midst, who gave so much of yourself for all of us!
What we know so far:
- Diogo Jota has died aged 28 in a car crash alongside his brother André
- The footie star’s ceremonies will begin today
- Devastated Arne Slot says club will sing tragic Jota’s song
- Liverpool ace’s tragic final post just hours before dying in car crash
- Trent Alexander-Arnold pays respect to Jota as Real Madrid hold minute’s silence
- Jota only got married 10 days ago to long-term partner Rute Cardoso
- Heartbroken Cristiano Ronaldo says crash “doesn’t make sense”
- Notorious road where tragic Jota died riddled with traps
- Jota was one of football’s good guys
“But most of all, you were a person of contagious kindness, always in a good mood, full of life and with a huge heart.
“Our thoughts are with Diogo and Andre’s family and all those who loved him. Rest in peace, you will never be forgotten.”
Rui spoke for the first time of his sorrow yesterday and how he was honoured to cater for the 28-year-old couple after the visited his renowned Dop restaurant in the star’s Porto hometown.
He travelled to Liverpool to organise a menu tasting for the couple and was struck by their kindness and humility..
The chef said he last saw Diogo was at his happiest on his wedding day – surrounded by loved ones, close family and friends.
He said: “The last time I saw him was at the wedding.”
“On the last day, he had a meal with Rute and the children and then got in the car to go to Liverpool.
“A friend told me his wife was supposed to follow today – on Friday – with the children.
“The wedding was very beautiful at Igreja da Lapa in Porto. I did the catering, there was a band playing – he was happy.
“At the wedding he was super happy – of course, at a wedding there’s always some worry and anxiety. But he was very happy, completely happy.
“But it’s important to say that the wedding was very intimate. That is, there was a lot of family and few guests.”
Rui told of his heartbreak after getting know the family on visits to the UK, where he helped plan the wedding with the excited couple and their family.
He said: “They met very young, had three children, lived in Liverpool, and that’s where I got to know them better.
“What I feel is that they are all humble people; fame hasn’t gone to their heads, they’re impeccable people.
“Diogo was a simple, professional, dedicated, gentle, kind young man – everything you could wish for in a good person.
“This is a huge tragedy, because just think, his parents have lost two children, and his wife is left with three little ones.”
“All of Portugal was shaken – I can’t remember seeing people so affected, so sad because his character was that of a good person.
Diogo’s younger brother Andre Silva, pictured left, also died in the tragic crash[/caption]
“Even if you didn’t know him, you could look at him and see he was a good person. Low profile, grounded, didn’t flaunt his wealth, he was an impeccable young man.
“On the pitch he was a professional, but off the pitch he was even better. May God rest his soul.”
Rui added: “It’s very hard for a parent to lose two children and for Rute to be left with three children on her own.
“They have to be strong people, try to carry this in as light a way as possible because the pain of this tragedy will be immense.
“I wish them a lot of strength, a lot of love, and that they stay united to steer this ship to a safe harbour, because it will be a heavy ship.
“And I want to say that Diogo Jota was an absolutely wonderful person.”
It comes after ex-Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson wiped away a tear as he laid flowers and paid his respects to Jota.
An emotional Henderson was seen mourning the loss of his former teammate outside the Anfield Stadium on Friday.
The Sun also retraced the route from the crash scene and found the A-52 highway poorly surfaced and dogged by miles of roadworks leading to the fatal smash.
Diogo is survived by his wife and three young children[/caption]
