Liverpool's Conor Bradley explains why he's ‘forever grateful' to Diogo Jota in full tribute

Sunday World

9 hours ago

Supporters remember a true fan favourite: 'Our number 20 showed what it meant to play for the shirt.'
Diogo Jota of Wolverhampton Wanderers passes the ball during the UEFA Europa League Second Qualifying round 2nd Leg match between Crusaders and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Seaview Stadium on August 1, 2019 in Belfast (Credit:)
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File photo dated 11-04-2024 of Diogo Jota and Jurgen Klopp. "Heartbroken" former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admits he is struggling to comprehend the death of Diogo Jota. Issue date: Thursday July 3, 2025 (Credit: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
Diogo Jota of Liverpool during the Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on February 06, 2025 in Liverpool (Credit: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Connor Phillips is one of hundreds of LFC fans to pay tribute to Diogo Jota
Conor Bradley celebrates with goal-scorer Diogo Jota during a league game at Bournemouth in January 2024
The Portuguese forward (28) was killed alongside his brother André Silva (26) in a car crash in Spain — less than a fortnight after his wedding.
Shocked and grief-stricken Liverpool fans flocked to Anfield to lay flowers for their fallen hero.
The club said it was 'devastated" by the news.
Bradley, who made his senior Liverpool debut in September 2021, recalled how Jota was one of the figures who helped him settle into life as a first team player.
Writing on social media, the 22-year-old said: "Where do I start what an incredible footballer but an even better person I feel really lucky to have spent a few years with you.
'Was always nice coming into the changing room in the morning and seeing you smiling and laughing and consistently calling me a hanger.
'Always remember the first time you invited me to your room to play Fifa I think everyone knows where this is going, we was playing and by half time I'm pretty sure I was 5-0 down that was the last time I was ever falling into that trap. ‍
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'When I first moved up from the academy you were always there for me and always helped me settle in with the lads which I'll be forever grateful for.
'My thoughts are with your wife, children and family for losing both Diogo and Andre. I can't imagine how tough this is for you all, as I know how tough this feels for me today.
'Love you jots and I'm sure we will meet again.'
The Co Tyrone man had earlier posted a photograph of himself and Jota with the Premier League trophy, alongside the caption: "Rest in peace brother. Don't have words to describe how I'm feeling but, I know we lost an incredible person today".
Conor Bradley celebrates with goal-scorer Diogo Jota during a league game at Bournemouth in January 2024
Drone footage of floral tributes to Diogo Jota at Anfield Stadium
Liverpool manager Arne Slot said Jota was the "essence of what a Liverpool player should be".
He highlighted a side of Jota that people didn't get to see: "The person who never sought popularity but found it anyway. Not a friend to two people, a friend to everyone.
"Someone who made others feel good about themselves just by being with them. A person who cared deeply for his family."
He added that for all those in the club "the sense of shock is absolute", describing Jota as a "unique human being".
Slot referenced Jota's recent wedding, saying: "In many ways, it was a dream summer for Diogo and his family, which makes it all the more heartbreaking that it should end like this."
Offering his condolences to Diogo's wife, Rute, their three children and the parents of Jota and his brother André Silva, he concluded: 'My message to them is very clear – you will never walk alone.'