‘I'd try to claim him as Scottish' – Andy Robertson pens poignant Diogo Jota tribute after close friend's tragic death
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SCOTLAND captain Andy Robertson has paid an emotional and heartfelt tribute Diogo Jota following the Liverpool star's tragic death.
Heartbroken Robertson thanked Jota for being his mate - and admitted he couldn't quite believe he was having to say goodbye.
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Diogo Jota has tragically died at the age of 28
Credit: PA
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Andy Robertson and Jota enjoyed plenty of success together at Liverpool
Credit: Alamy
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They were great friends off the pitch too
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Robertson attended Jota's wedding less than two weeks ago
Credit: INSTAGRAM/@ANDYROBERTSON94
Jota and his brother Andre were both killed in a car accident on Thursday while driving through Zamora in Spain.
The news of the 28-year old's death has stunned the football world and beyond, with tributes flooding in in his memory.
Thousands of Liverpool fans have visited Anfield to pay their own respects.
Shirts, scarves, flowers and flags have all been laid at the stadium in his memory.
Within the club, manager Arne Slot and owner John W. Henry have led the tributes.
Now, Robertson has added his own thoughts about his pal in an emotionally-charged message.
The two were close friends and Robertson revealed he last saw Jota when the Portuguese winger got married.
Jota's wedding to childhood sweetheart Rute came just 10 days before the player's tragic death.
Devastated Robertson paid tribute not only to Jota the footballer, but a man who he described as "genuine," "normal and real."
The Scotland captain recalled memories of spending time with Jota - and how he playfully nicknamed him 'Diogo MacJota' as he tried to claim him as an honorary Scot.
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The defender revealed he attended Jota's wedding - the last time he saw his teammate who he described as "genuine, normal and real."
Robertson's poignant words ended with him simply thanking Jota for being in his life.
On Instagram, Robertson said: "The ones I'm thinking about most right now are the family. Their loss is too much to bear.
"I'm so sorry that they have lost two such precious souls – Diogo and Andre.
"For the team and the club, we'll try to cope with this together… however long that takes.
"For me, I want to talk about my mate. My buddy. The bloke I loved and will miss like crazy.
"I could talk about him as a player for hours, but none of that feels like it matters right now.
"It's the man. The person. He was such a good guy. The best. So genuine. Just normal and real.
"Full of love for the people he cared about. Full of fun.
"He was the most British foreign player I've ever met.
"We used to joke he was really Irish… I'd try to claim him as Scottish, obviously. I even called him Diogo MacJota.
"We'd watch the darts together, enjoy the horse racing. Going to Cheltenham this season was a highlight - one of the best we had.
"The last time I saw him was the happiest day of his life – his wedding day.
"I want to remember his never-ceasing smile from that magical day.
"How much he was bursting with love for his wife and family.
"I can't believe we're saying goodbye. It's too soon, and it hurts so much.
"But thank you for being in my life, mate – and for making it better.
"Love you, Diogo."
Jota's funeral will take place on Saturday in Portugal, just a day after the tragedy.
The services for Diogo and his brother Andre will take place in their home town of Gondomar, near Porto.
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