Portugal is shrouded in black after a tragedy that shook the football world – the death of Diogo Jota, Liverpool and Portugal national team player, in a horrific car accident. Just two days after the accident, his brother Andre Silva and he were laid to rest. Among those carrying the coffin was Ruben Neves, his teammate and friend, who shared a heartbreaking farewell message on Instagram.
“Mate, wherever you are, I know you’ll read this. We were never the sentimental type, but now I regret that. You know how much you mean to me, and I know what I mean to you. More than friends, we are family. Distance and contracts won’t change that. When I go to the national team, you’ll be beside me – on the bus, the plane, always with me. We’ll laugh, make plans, share our lives. I’ll make sure you’re always present, and your loved ones never lack anything while you’re away. Life brought us together, and now nothing can tear us apart. Together we achieved great things, and there’s much more to come. I know we’ll succeed. Today you’ll step onto the pitch with me, we’ll continue our journey together, mate. Love you,” Neves wrote.
This emotional farewell came just hours after Neves played a quarterfinal match of the FIFA Club World Cup between his Al Hilal and Brazil’s Fluminense. The tragedy shook not only Portugal but the entire football world, which lost one of its talents. This tragedy reminds us how fragile life is and how important friendship and family are, especially in times of pain and loss.
If you have your own thoughts or remember Diogo Jota in a special way, feel free to share in the comments. Let his memory live on through stories and memories of us all.
