“I first met Diogo with the Portugal national team. He was just a humble guy, down to earth, happy, always smiling, always positive – a super cool guy, one of those people you just instantly get to like. There wasn’t one bad thing you could say about him.
“He was such a hard worker. As a player, he was destined to be successful because of his mentality, his frame of mind. He didn’t shy away from doing the hard work. The relationship that he had with the fans at Liverpool… they loved him.
“He was one of those guys that gave everything for the team: he’d get goals, assists, he’d grind, and he’d do the work the team needed him to do. You could rely on him all the time.
“You never expect any tragedy like this to happen, especially to people like Diogo and André.
“We have to honour their memories – that’s all we can do. We have to remember them, and we will do, because they are special people.
“Sunday is a great occasion, playing for another title at Wembley – a big occasion, just like Diogo used to love. It’s a great game, and it is sad we won’t get to see Diogo doing what he used to do best on the pitch.
“But I’m sure that he will be watching from above. I’m sure the Liverpool and Crystal Palace fans will remember him and André, and I’m sure it will be a special occasion. I’m sure of it.”