Nat Phillips said in a poignant social media message that he might not have the words to express his sadness and loss following the devastating passing of Diogo Jota.
Nat Phillips has sent a heartfelt tribute to Diogo Jota on social media
Ex-Liverpool defender Nat Phillips has admitted he is struggling to cope with the death of Diogo Jota, as he paid tribute to his former teammate in a poignant social media post.
Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, tragically passed away last Thursday in a car crash in northern Spain. The world of soccer continues to honor the siblings, but particularly on Merseyside and in Portugal, where the players grew up and spent the majority of their professional careers.
Dozens of current and former Liverpool players have sent touching messages in recent days, and Phillips is the latest, with the recently signed West Bromwich Albion man revealing he found the death particularly hard to comprehend.
“I’ve got to be honest I’ve been struggling with this, as I’m worried I don’t have the words,” Phillips wrote on Instagram, accompanied with a photo of the pair celebrating a goal against Manchester United in the 2020/21 season.
“How do I even begin to do justice to someone who was loved by all of us, someone who lit up countless lives and meant so much to just as many?
“Jots, along with the rest of the world, I’m really going to miss you mate. It was a pleasure and an honour to share the dressing room with you and to be part of so many special moments and memories that we shared.
“You were always up for a laugh and a wind up. More than anything else, you always stayed true to yourself regardless of your success in life.
“The reality is that nothing was ever going to change you. You were too good, too grounded for that.
“A top friend, a magical footballer but most importantly a special human being. Rest in peace Diogo and Andre. Sending all my love and strength to your family.”
The tribute comes ahead of Liverpool’s return to preseason training on Tuesday, a day later than previously scheduled due to Jota’s untimely death.
The majority of the squad flew to Portugal for Saturday’s funeral, and the return to training will be a somber occasion for the grieving club.
Liverpool is also expected to consult its players before deciding whether to proceed with Sunday’s prearranged game against Preston North End.
Meanwhile, the club aired a poignant commemorative program to Jota on LFCTV on Monday, with the open book of condolence at Anfield set to be closed on Tuesday.