“It Hurts a Lot” – Liverpool’s Luis Diaz Pays Tribute to Diogo Jota | OneFootball

Luis Diaz Shares Emotional Tribute to Diogo Jota from Colombia

Luis Diaz has broken Liverpool’s silence on the tragic death of Diogo Jota, speaking with raw emotion from his homeland of Colombia. While the team prepares for pre-season and Arne Slot begins his second campaign in charge after last year’s title-winning debut, the club remains shaken by the news of Jota’s passing.

The Colombian winger, unable to attend Jota’s funeral, gave his first interview to Win Sports in South America. His words were heavy with sorrow but full of admiration for the man who was not just a teammate, but a close friend and vital part of his Liverpool journey.

Diaz Reflects on His Bond with Jota

“Obviously it’s very hard to find out about news like that, isn’t it? The first thing you do when you wake up is to look at the news, which is very sad because of what happened, honestly. The family among us, it caught us all off guard and I don’t think anyone is prepared for that kind of news,” Diaz told Win Sports.

His grief was evident as he recalled the personal bond he shared with Diogo Jota. The Portuguese forward, who tragically died alongside his brother Andre Silva in a car accident in Zamora, Spain, had been a major figure in Diaz’s early days on Merseyside.

“A teammate, instrumental in my arrival in Liverpool because his family welcomed me, he welcomed me and we became great friends.

“We had a great, healthy rivalry and he was important. We always agree[d] on many things. I just want to give a lot of strength to his family, to his wife, to his children that he left behind. Because the truth is they must be suffering a lot from this terrible news.

“It hurts a lot. It was incredible when I woke up and saw the news. The truth is, I broke down in tears.”

Tragedy Hits Liverpool Hard

Jota, aged just 28, was returning to the UK after spending time in Portugal, where he had recently married Rute Cardoso. His brother, 25-year-old Andre Silva, also died in the crash. The news has rocked Liverpool, a club already known for its strong sense of unity and resilience.

Slot’s men are due to report for pre-season on Tuesday, but the focus remains on supporting each other through this heartbreak. The club and fanbase alike continue to mourn one of their own.

Strength in Mourning

Luis Diaz’s words provide a glimpse into how deeply Jota was woven into the fabric of this Liverpool team. His tribute speaks for the dressing room, where Jota was more than a player. He was a friend, a mentor and a man who helped others feel at home.

Liverpool must now face a season without him, but his memory will echo through Anfield and far beyond. Diaz, now one of the senior forwards, knows he carries a part of Jota’s legacy with him every time he pulls on the shirt.