🕊️ Luis Díaz Breaks Silence After Missing Diogo Jota’s Funeral
Liverpool forward Luis Díaz has addressed the public backlash he faced after not attending the funeral of teammate Diogo Jota, who tragically lost his life in a car accident in Spain.
Jota was laid to rest in São Cosme, just outside Porto, alongside his brother. The location held deep emotional significance, as it was the same place where Jota and his wife, Rute Cardoso, had celebrated their wedding less than two weeks prior.
The funeral drew a heartfelt response from the football world, with Virgil van Dijk, manager Arne Slot, and several of Jota’s Liverpool teammates making the trip to pay their respects. Though some major stars — including Cristiano Ronaldo — were absent, Luis Díaz’s absence drew particular scrutiny, especially from fans who expected a more visible show of support.
After days of silence, Díaz has now spoken out for the first time regarding Jota’s passing. While his full statement has not been publicly released yet, the Colombian international expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with Jota’s family, emphasizing that his grief was private but deeply felt.
“Diogo was more than a teammate — he was a brother to us all,” Díaz reportedly shared. “Sometimes pain is lived in silence. My heart has been with his family since the moment we heard the news.”
As tributes continue to pour in from across the footballing world, fans and players alike are honoring Jota’s memory, remembering him for his talent, humility, and the joy he brought on and off the pitch.
Diaz Discloses ‘Very Big Pain’ Following Jota’s Passing
The 28-year-old spoke to the press about his emotions
🕊️ Luis Díaz Pays Emotional Tribute to Diogo Jota: “I Have a Great Friend in My Heart”
Luis Díaz has spoken publicly for the first time about the devastating loss of Diogo Jota, opening up on the heartbreak he felt after learning of his Liverpool teammate’s tragic death in a car accident in Spain.
In an interview with WinSportsTV, the Colombian forward shared how deeply the news had affected him — both personally and professionally.
“It’s very difficult to receive news like this. No one is prepared for this,” Díaz said. “He was a key companion when I arrived in Liverpool because his family welcomed me and we formed a great friendship. We had a healthy rivalry and it was important.”
Díaz and Jota shared a close bond during their time together at Anfield, and the Colombian recalled how Jota had been one of the first to support him during a harrowing period in his life. In October 2023, Díaz’s father was kidnapped in Colombia and held hostage for 12 days — an ordeal that gripped the football world. In a show of solidarity, Jota celebrated a goal by holding up a shirt with Díaz’s name, a gesture that left a lasting mark on his teammate.
“He made a very nice gesture towards me, which I will never forget,” Díaz said. “May he rest in peace. I have a great friend in my heart, who will always be remembered by his team. I want to send a lot of strength to his family, his wife, his children, because the truth is that they are suffering a lot with this.”
While Díaz did not address the reason for missing Jota’s funeral, sources close to the player suggest it may have been due to his recent travel back to Colombia — a logistical and emotional burden in the wake of such a loss.
The funeral, held in São Cosme, Portugal, saw several Liverpool players and manager Arne Slot in attendance, alongside friends and family. The absence of Díaz initially drew criticism from some fans, but his emotional tribute offers insight into the private grief he has been experiencing.
As tributes continue to pour in, one thing is clear: Diogo Jota’s legacy lives on — not only as a gifted footballer but as a beloved friend and teammate.
