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In the world of football, players come and go, but it’s rare to see a bond between teammates that transcends the game.

Conor Coady and Diogo Jota shared a remarkable relationship both on and off the field during their time at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Jota’s tragic passing in a car crash has left the football community devastated, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from those who knew him best, including his former teammate, Coady.

Their time together wasn’t just about football – it was about respect, camaraderie, and the unique journey they shared.

Coady, now at Leicester City, reflected on their time together in a deeply emotional tribute.

The two players were integral to Wolves’ rise in English football, from their Championship-winning season to their Europa League campaign.

But what stood out for Coady was Jota’s personality and dedication.

He didn’t just see Jota as a talented footballer, but as a true friend.

Coady revealed that it wasn’t just Jota’s ability on the field that left a mark but his character.

Jota had a quiet confidence that made him stand out.

Coady described him as “a dream to work with” and “a pleasure to call a friend,” and the loss of such a remarkable person has clearly shaken him to the core.

In his tribute via BBC Sport, Coady also spoke about Jota’s transition to Liverpool, a moment of pride for both their friendship and for the footballing world.

He was proud of his former teammate’s achievements.

“I think we’ll all remember where we were, but it goes bigger than football, what we’re all feeling now,” Coady said speaking to BBC Sport.

“This has hit everybody hard.”

“And it will hit everybody hard for a long, long time because Diogo was a fantastic human being, an amazing friend, an amazing husband, an amazing father and an absolute incredible footballer for all the clubs he has played for.”

“He was an unbelievable person.”

“This is celebrating an incredible human being.”

“A human being who should never left us this early and this [early] into an amazing career.”

He fondly remembered how Jota had seamlessly integrated into Wolves’ squad, showcasing his “tenacity and will to win” from the very first session.

Coady also recalled his sense of pride when Jota went on to win the Premier League with Liverpool, emphasizing how he “took the Premier League by storm.”

“He was the heart and soul of the dressing room.”

“He had a quiet way of going about himself.

But you knew you could go to him about anything.”

“For me as a captain, it was an honour and a dream to play with him.”

“He was born to play in the Premier League but Wolves were in the Championship.”

“I used to always tell young people they need to learn from players like Diogo and Ruben, who were brave enough to step into the Championship to help a club who were struggling at that time,” said Coady.

“He was brave enough to bring his childhood sweetheart to Wolverhampton and really buy into the culture of England.”

“He was such an example for everybody.

“I absolutely loved him.”

“As a captain, he was a dream to work with?

But it was a pleasure to call him a friend.”

Jota’s hat tricks, his goals against Manchester United, and his unforgettable moments in the Europa League – all of these stand as a testament to his exceptional talent.

Coady reflected on Jota’s influence in the dressing room and his ability to inspire.

“The whole three years will live with me forever,” he said, cementing the legacy of not just a great footballer but an incredible human being.

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