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Luis Diaz has revealed that he broke down in tears after hearing the news of Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota's passing away. He admitted that it was news that shocked him, as nobody is prepared for it, and went on to salute the Portugal star.
Speaking to WinSportsTV, Diaz said that he shared a healthy rivalry with Jota on the pitch and in training. He recalled how the Portugal star's family welcomed him after his move to Anfield and said (via Daily Mail):
"It's very difficult to receive news like this, it's very sad. No one is prepared for this, he was a key companion when I arrived in Liverpool because his family welcomed me and we formed a great friendship. We had a healthy rivalry and it was important."
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Days after Diaz's father was kidnapped, Jota made a heartwarming gesture towards Diaz after scoring against Nottingham Forest in 2023. Recalling it, the Colombian star added:
"He made a very nice gesture towards me, which I will never forget. May he rest in peace, I have a great friend in my heart, who will always be remembered by his team. I want to send a lot of strength to his family, his wife, his children, because the truth is that they are suffering a lot with this. (It hurts) a lot, a lot. It was incredible when I woke up and saw the news. The truth is I broke down in tears. It as a very, very, very big pain."
Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota played 72 matches together at Anfield. The two combined for four goals, three of which came in the Premier League, while the other was scored in the FA Cup 3rd Round win over Arsenal in 2024.
Liverpool immortalize Diogo Jota's #20 jersey
Liverpool have announced that they will be immortalizing the #20 jersey in honor of Diogo Jota. They confirmed the decision in their tribute to the Portugal star and wrote:
"The No.20 will be rightly immortalised for his contributions as part of Liverpool’s 2024-25 title-winners – the club’s 20th – with his trademark shimmy and strike in front of the Kop to seal victory in April’s Merseyside derby a poignant last goal of his life."
Diogo Jota was on his way to England, along with his brother, when they met with a car accident on July 3. The two passed away and their families had the funerals on July 6.
