Trent Alexander-Arnold pens emotional message to Diogo Jota after Liverpool star’s return from Real Madrid
After returning to Anfield with Real Madrid, Trent Alexander-Arnold laid flowers and left a heartfelt handwritten note at the Liverpool memorial in remembrance of his late teammate Diogo Jota.
The English defender made the touching gesture when visiting his former residence in advance of Los Blancos’ Champions League match against the Reds on Tuesday night.
Alexander-Arnold returned to Anfield in remembrance of his former comrade Jota ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League match against Liverpool.
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In honour of Jota’s passion for video games, the English full-back, who joined Los Blancos in the summer, left a red PlayStation 4 controller, a floral wreath, and a handwritten note at the memorial honouring the Portuguese striker and his brother Andre.
The handwritten note from Alexander-Arnold said, “My mate Diogo, you are so missed but still so loved.” Andre’s and your memories will last forever.
Every time I think of you, I smile, and I will never forget the wonderful days we had together. I miss you every day, buddy. YNWA, Forever 20. I adore Trent and my family.
Dean Huijsen, club icon Emilio Butragueno, and Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso accompanied the 26-year-old to lay flowers in memory of the Anfield favourite. On social media, Liverpool fans expressed their gratitude for their act.
Diego Jota’s untimely demise and the tributes that followed
Only a few months have passed since Jota and his brother Andre perished in a car accident in northern Spain on July 3.
Two beloved Portuguese football players lost their lives when their car drove off the A-52 motorway close to Cernadilla.
The sport was rocked by the defeat, especially at Liverpool, where Jota had grown to be a crucial player.
Alexander-Arnold posted an emotional message on social media in the days after Jota’s death, saying, “It’s so difficult to find the right words when your head and heart are struggling to accept that someone you care so much about has gone.”
Your family meant everything to you, Diogo. They were indispensable. We are all heartbroken for Rute, his kids, and his parents. And also for Andre. Best pals and brothers.
“I want to think of Diogo with a bright smile when it’s less unpleasant. Many moments of joy and laughter. He was a true buddy and a fantastic teammate. 20 will always be the number.
Diogo, may you rest in peace. In response to the tragedy, Liverpool decided to retire Jota’s No. 20 shirt so that his contribution to the club’s contemporary era would always be remembered.
Known for his poise, diligence, and ability to score game-winning goals, Jota—dubbed the “Silent Assassin”—became one of the most effective forwards in the Premier League.
He won the Premier League, FA Cup, two League Cups, and a Community Shield during his five years at Anfield, where he made over 140 appearances.
Alexander-Arnold visited the stadium for the first time since moving to Real Madrid, so his homecoming to Liverpool held extra emotional weight.
After more than ten years with his childhood team, the right-back left Anfield in July for £8.4 million. Less than a day before Real Madrid’s Champions League group-stage encounter against Liverpool, the memorial stop was held.
Alexander-Arnold was clearly moved as he stood in front of the shrine with Alonso, another person who is involved in both teams’ histories. He paused in quiet before paying his respects.
Alexander-Arnold returns to Anfield for the Champions League match
Tuesday night’s Champions League match between Real Madrid and Liverpool at Anfield is expected to be intense on both an emotional and competitive level.
The game was meant to be Alexander-Arnold’s first appearance in front of the Kop since leaving the Reds, but the right-back is unlikely to start since he is still recovering from a hamstring injury that has kept him out of action for nearly seven weeks.
For the first time in his career, Alexander-Arnold will, however, have the opportunity to sit in the away dugout at Anfield.
