Football star Caoimhín Kelleher has paid a touching tribute to his former Liverpool teammate and one of his 'closest friends in football,' as he comes to grips with the tragic death of Diogo Jota.
The Cork man, who formed a strong bond with Portuguese player Jota during their time at Anfield, said that the news of his death yesterday "absolutely devastated" him.
As the sporting community reeled in the wake of the news of Diogo Jota's death at just 28, alongside his brother Andre Silva in a car crash in Spain yesterday morning, Caoimhín took to social media to share some heartbreaking words about his close pal, 'Jots.'
The keeper took to Instagram to share some pictures of the pair, including snaps during their time on Liverpool's Premier League-winning side in the 2024/25 campaign and Caoimhín celebrating with Jota and his wife Rute on their wedding, just days before his death.
Caoimhín Kelleher celebrating with Diogo Jota and Rute Cardoso at the childhood sweethearts' wedding in June (Image: Caoimhin Kelleher via Instagram)
Caoimhín, who recently got engaged, said he feels "so blessed and grateful" to have spent Diogo's "happiest day" with him and his family as they tied the knot in Portugal on June 22.
Jota previously said the Cork man was his 'best friend' on the team, and in his beautiful tribute, Caoimhín said he felt the striker was one of his "closest friends in football" as they bonded over everything from darts to snooker.
He wrote: "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 3 beautiful kids, and Diogo and Andre’s family. It was 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 ."
Caoimhín described his pal as "a fun genuine, normal, down to earth and loving family man" (Image: Caoimhin Kelleher via Instagram)
He said Jota had become "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."
The Blackrock native described his friend as a "fun genuine, normal down to earth and loving family man and always very competitive."
"I’m gonna miss our pre match programme quiz," he added, "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 to know you and have such a good friend. Love you, Diogo."