Caoimhin Kelleher pays heartbreaking tribute to 'closest friend' Diogo Jota

Ex-Liverpool shot-stopper Caoimhin Kelleher has shared an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota following the heartbreaking news of his sudden death.

The pair, who had been teammates for half a decade at Anfield, were quite close, with Jota even considering Kelleher as one of his nearest mates in Merseyside.

They were travelling in a Lamborghini near Zamora in Spain when it veered off the road and burst into flames, killing both before emergency services arrived.

Figures in the sport from across the world have paid tribute to the Premier League champion. And now Kelleher, who attended Jota's wedding to wife Rute Cardoso less than a fortnight prior to his death, has penned his own heartfelt message to his late former team-mate.

"Jots. Can't believe I'm writing this right now and I'm finding it hard to put into words," read the 26-year-old's Instagram post. "I'm absolutely devastated by this news. All my thoughts and condolences are with Rute and their three 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.

"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."

The testimony revealed the extent of their bond off the field, illustrated by the fact Kelleher was present for one of the biggest days in Jota's life. Kelleher, who joined Brentford in an £18million deal earlier this summer, and Liverpool let-back Andy Robertson were each present as Jota and teenage sweetheart Rute tied the knot in their hometown of Porto.

Both Kelleher and Robertson were also at Jota's side when they took in some horse races at Cheltenham together in March. However, it's clear their bond ran far deeper than sport alone.

Jota previously attested to Kelleher being his best friend in the Liverpool squad in a union few might have expected. When asked whom his best Anfield pal was in 2024, the Portuguese replied: "Nowadays I would say Caoimhin. There have been a few departing the squad.

"We play a quiz game, we play each other. There is one on the match day programme. It is a good way to start the match day action."

One fan replied to Kelleher's sorrowful post, saying: "Sorry for your loss Caoimhin. We could all see how close you are. It's absolutely devastating."

Republic of Ireland team-mates John Egan and Adam Idah also responded with love heart emojis as a show of support for their countryman.