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Heartbroken Caoimhin Kelleher remembers watching Diogo Jota's brother with Liverpool star

Caoimhin Kelleher has penned an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota, with the pair having become the best of friends during their time together at Liverpool.

The world of soccer remains in mourning for the Portuguese star and his brother Andre Silva, who died in a car accident on Thursday. They had been traveling as Jota had been advised not to fly following surgery, with the 28-year-old having been due to report back for training with the Reds next week.

Tributes have since been flowing from Jota's Liverpool teammates, including Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson, while Arne Slot and Jurgen Klopp have also paid tribute. Other prominent figures from around the world, including Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, have been paying their respects.

Jota and his brother's funeral is now set to take place tomorrow (Saturday) following a wake on Friday, with the service set to take place in the same town in which the Liverpool star married his long-term partner Rute just last month.

Among those in attendance at the wedding were Kelleher and Robertson, with the latter having shared a picture of the trio with their partners as part of his tribute on Thursday.

Kelleher has now reflected on his own memories of a player he would grow to become the best of friends with at Anfield, with the pair even taking time to watch Jota's brother playing.

"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," Kelleher wrote in a moving tribute on Instagram.

Andy Robertson and Caoimhin Kelleher attended Diogo Jota's wedding in Portugal

Andy Robertson and Caoimhin Kelleher attended Diogo Jota's wedding in Portugal (Image: andyrobertson94)

"All my thoughts and condolences are with Rute and their 3 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.

Caoimhin Kelleher and Diogo Jota

Caoimhin Kelleher and Diogo Jota (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

"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."

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