Liverpool: Trent Alexander-Arnold lays wreath at Diogo Jota memorial on return to Anfield | OneFootball

The pair played together for five years

Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold laid a wreath at Diogo Jota’s memorial ahead of facing Liverpool in the Champions League.

Returning to Anfield for the first time since leaving his boyhood club, Alexander-Arnold took the opportunity to pay tribute.

The Real Madrid delegation pay tribute to Diogo Jota

Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Joined by Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, Dean Huijsen, and Emilio Butragueno, the 27-year-old laid a wreath and handwritten card at Jota’s memorial, which has stood outside the ground since July.

His message 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.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s handwritten message to Diogo Jota

Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Alexander-Arnold also left a red PlayStation controller at the memorial, a reference to Jota’s well-known love of video games.

The controller carried another handwritten message: "Forever a champion 20. TAA."

A wreath laid by Alonso also carried a message, which read: “Real Madrid CF expresses its deepest condolences to Liverpool FC and the family of Diogo Jota. The football world mourns the loss of an exceptional person and a remarkable player.”

Jota’s No20 shirt was retired following his passing. He has also been posthumously inducted into his former club Wolves’ hall of fame.