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Diogo Jota and Andre Silva's childhood friends have shared their memories of two lads who 'just wanted to play football'(Image: Liverpool Echo)

Maria Pereira, struggling to fight off the tears, recalls cherished memories of the time she spent watching Diogo Jota and Andre Silva grow up next door to her.

da Minhoteira, near why Diogo Jota and Andre Silva grew up

For Cosme, the loss hits home even harder as he recounts joyous moments playing football alongside Jota and Silva in their grandad’s front yard during childhood.

He just wanted to play what he liked most."

The passion and love of the game are exactly why Liverpool FC fans hold the number 20 in such high esteem, and Cosme expressed his deep appreciation for how warmly Jota has been received in Merseyside, stating: "You guys always received him well, so I think we all have to thank you for the way you welcomed our boy in your land."

In the wake of heartbreaking news, Cosme is reeling, reminiscing over cherished childhood moments: "Almost every summer, they were going to my house or we'd go into their house to play FIFA or ride our bikes to the town, or play football in the yard."

He fondly recollected the mischiefs of youth, adding with a hint of nostalgia: "His grandma was sad we destroyed the fences.

I think that's what we have to hold."

Tiago Silva, 26, spoke to the ECHO about Diogo Jota(Image: Liverpool Echo)

The close-knit community from the little road where Jota and Silva grew up echoes Cosme's sentiments, with Tiago Silva, Cosme’s cousin, also treasuring fond memories spent with the brothers during their younger years.

He reminisced with the ECHO, recalling their childhood: “We played together, we laughed together.

He was a real good guy."

Beatriz Bessa, from the same street, shared that the legacy of Jota and Silva as local heroes won't fade: "When we grew up, Diogo became a really good player but he stayed humble.

A very empathetic person."

While Jota and Silva's football prowess and accomplishments may be well-known, it is their personalities and humble beginnings that truly resonate with the community where they were raised.

Local resident Cosme reminisced with fondness: "When we seen them, they were always smiling, they were always happy, they were always happy with their simple life.