'Very big pain' - Luis Diaz opens up on losing 'great friend' Diogo Jota after being unable to attend Liverpool team-mate's funeral

Diaz has spoken to a broadcaster while in South America about the unexpected death, having been close friends but also rivals for a place in the Liverpool team.

Jota's death in a car accident last week, along with his brother - Andre Silva, has rocked the world of football. Diaz had travelled back home to Colombia and was therefore unable to make it back to attend his friend's funeral, which was held very quickly after it happened. The pair were closely bonded every since Jota held up Diaz's shirt as a tribute when the player's father had been kidnapped in 2023.

Speaking to WinSportsTV, Diaz said: "It's very difficult to receive news like this, it's very sad. No one is prepared for this, 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.

"He made a very nice gesture towards me, which I will never forget. 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. [It hurts] a lot, a lot. It was incredible when I woke up and saw the news. The truth is I broke down in tears. It as a very, very, very big pain."

A group of Liverpool players will report for pre-season duty from Tuesday this week, but it will comprise those not on international duty last month, as well as emerging youngsters. Diaz was with Colombia for World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Argentina, and so will be back on Merseyside at a later date.