Andy Robertson has led Liverpool’s dressing room tributes to Diogo Jota.
Jota and his brother Andre Silva were both killed in a roadside crash during the early hours of Thursday morning in the Spanish province of Zamora.
The Portugal international spent five years at Anfield and was hailed by Arne Slot as ‘a friend to everyone’ as the football world mourns his sudden passing.
Robertson took to Instagram to share his memories of the Reds’ number 20.
“The ones I’m thinking about most right now are the family,” he wrote.
“Their loss is too much to bear. I’m so sorry that they have lost two such precious souls – Diogo and Andre.
“For the team and the club, we’ll try to cope with this together… however long that takes.
“For me, I want to talk about my mate. My buddy. The bloke I loved and will miss like crazy.
“I could talk about him as a player for hours, but none of that feels like it matters right now.
“It’s the man. The person. He was such a good guy. The best. So genuine. Just normal and real.
“Full of love for the people he cared about. Full of fun.
“He was the most British foreign player I’ve ever met. We used to joke he was really Irish.
“I’d try to claim him as Scottish, obviously. I even called him Diogo MacJota.
“We’d watch the darts together, enjoy the horse racing. Going to Cheltenham this season was a highlight – one of the best we had.
“The last time I saw him was the happiest day of his life – his wedding day.
“I want to remember his never-ceasing smile from that magical day. How much he was bursting with love for his wife and family.
“I can’t believe we’re saying goodbye. It’s too soon, and it hurts so much. But thank you for being in my life, mate – and for making it better.
“Love you, Diogo.”
Several teammates echoed Robertson’s heartfelt post with their own tributes.
Virgil van Dijk: “Man, I can’t believe it, I don’t wanna believe it.
“Absolutely devastated and in total disbelief. What a human being, what a player, but most importantly what an unbelievable family man.
“You meant so much to all of us and you always will! For your family to lose two sons, a husband and a father is just unimaginable.
“So cruel and unfair. My heart is breaking for all of your beautiful family, for Rute and for your kids.
“I promise you that in these difficult times and beyond we will always be there for your family. A champion forever, number 20 forever.
“It’s been a privilege to have stood by your side on the pitch, and to have been your friend off it. We will miss you beyond words and never forget you.
“Your legacy will live on, we will make sure of it! Rest in perfect peace Diogo & Andre.”
Curtis Jones: “It’s hard to find the exact words how this feels.
“An unbelievable player and a great person to everyone. Grateful we shared so many memories on and off the pitch brother.
“I send my thoughts and prayers to the whole family. Rest peacefully Diogo and Andre.”
Alexis Mac Allister: “I can’t believe it.
“I will always remember your smiles, your anger, your intelligence, your companionship and everything that made you a person.
“It hurts a lot, we will miss you. Rest in peace dear Diogo”.
Dominik Szoboszlai: “Words cannot describe how heartbroken and devastated we are…
“Your smile, your love for the game will never be forgotten.
“We will miss you so much, but you will stay with us forever, on and off the pitch. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
“Rest in peace, brother”.
Darwin Nunez: “There are no words of comfort for so much pain.
“I will always remember you with your smile, as a good companion on and off the field.
“I send all my strength to his family, from where he is I’m sure he will always be with you, especially his wife and three children.”
Ibrahima Konate: “Diogo… I still can’t believe it. I’m devastated. I have no words to express my feelings.
“Beyond the extraordinary footballer you were, there was an exceptional man, a friend, and brother! May you and Andre rest in peace.
“I am truly devastated by this news. This club, this family that we shared together, will never forget you! I think back to all the moments we shared and I still can’t believe it, they all seemed perfect…
“You can be sure of one thing: your family won’t walk alone. We’ll be there to help them through this devastating moment.
“I would like to address the world: today it’s Diogo and his brother. Yesterday it was someone else. Tomorrow it could be us.
“Let’s enjoy every moment that life offers us, with our families, friends, even strangers. Let’s try to live in peace and send each other love. We don’t know what tomorrow brings.
“I love you, my brother.”
Harvey Elliott: “Diogo, I can’t believe you’re gone. It’s hard to put into words how much this hurts us.
“You were an incredible footballer, the kind that made a difference every single time you stepped on the field.
“You were humble, hardworking, kind and always there for anyone that needed anything.
“I feel so lucky to have shared the pitch with you, shared memories and moments I’ll carry with me forever.
“You’ll always be part of this team, part of the Liverpool family. We will never, ever forget you.
“My heart goes out to your whole family. Love you brother.
“Rest easy Diogo & Andre. You’ll Never Walk Alone.”