Remembering Diogo Jota's 'best friend' at Liverpool's heartfelt tribute on his birthday

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Echo or go back to LFC Live.

One of the most touching came from former Liverpool star Caoimhin Kelleher, who wrote a heartfelt message about his much-loved team-mate, admitting that he had become "one of my closest friends" in football.Kelleher and Jota spent five seasons together at Liverpool, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and also reaching the Champions League final in the 2021/22 season.READ MORE: Diogo Jota's widow says 'one whole year' as she shares family updateREAD MORE: Andy Robertson makes emotional Diogo Jota admission after Scotland qualify for World CupThe current Brentford shotstopper wrote in July: "Jots. We bonded over all things sports watching any football match we could find often your brother Andre’s game on your iPad."I was surprised a lad from Portugal loved sports such as darts, snooker and horse racing so much and some of my best memories were having a laugh watching them with you."You were such a fun genuine, normal down to earth and loving family man and always very competitive.

I’m gonna miss our pre match programme quiz."I feel so blessed and grateful to have seen you on your happiest day, the day of your wedding and to be able to share in that day with you was special. It’s gonna hurt for a long time and I’m gonna miss you so much but I feel so lucky to have got know you and have such a good friend.

Love you Diogo."Jota and Kelleher had developed a strong friendship during their time at Liverpool, with Jota revealing in 2024 that Kelleher was his closest friend in the squad.Asked about who he was close to, Jota said: "Nowadays I would say Caoimhin. There is one on the match day programme.