Emotional Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to Anfield with Real Madrid to pay tribute to Diogo Jota | OneFootball

A heartfelt moment unfolded in Liverpool as a delegation from Real Madrid, comprising Trent Alexander-Arnold, Xabi Alonso, Dean Huijsen, and Emilio Butragueno, visited a mural near Anfield to pay tribute to Diogo Jota, the late Liverpool forward who tragically passed away this past summer.

The Real Madrid representatives laid a bouquet at the memorial, a gesture that carried deep emotional weight, particularly for Alexander-Arnold, who had shared a close bond and dressing room with Jota during their time together at Liverpool. 

The English full-back, now part of Los Blancos, made sure to be present and personally honour his former teammate before Madrid’s Champions League clash with Liverpool.

A touching tribute

In a touching display of remembrance, Alexander-Arnold placed not just flowers but also a handwritten message and a red PlayStation controller, which was a heartfelt nod to Jota’s well-known love for gaming. 

The dedication also paid tribute to Jota’s brother, Andre, whose memory is preserved alongside the Portuguese forward at the mural.

Alexander-Arnold’s message was deeply moving, revealing the profound friendship the two shared. It read,

“My mate Diogo, you are so missed but still so loved. Yours and Andre’s memory will always live on. 

“I smile every time I think about you and will always remember the great times we shared. Miss you, mate, every day. Forever 20. 

“YNWA. Love Trent and family.”

A close bond

This was not the first time the England international had expressed his grief publicly. 

In the days following Jota’s tragic passing, Alexander-Arnold took to social media to share a heartfelt note, writing:

“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. Diogo, your family was your world. 

“They were everything. For Rute, his children, and his parents, all of our hearts are broken. And for Andre as well. Brothers and best friends.

“When it’s less painful, I want to remember Diogo with a big smile. So many laughs and happy moments. 

“He was such a great team-mate and a true friend. Forever number 20. Rest in peace, Diogo,” he stated.