A moving scene unfolded near Anfield as a Real Madrid delegation, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Xabi Alonso, Dean Huijsen, and Emilio Butragueño, visited a mural dedicated to Diogo Jota, the late Liverpool forward who tragically passed away earlier this summer.
The Real Madrid representatives laid a bouquet at the memorial, a gesture filled with emotion, particularly for Alexander-Arnold. The English full-back, who shared a close bond with Jota during their time together at Liverpool, made the visit ahead of Madrid’s Champions League clash with his former club.
A personal tribute
In a touching act of remembrance, Alexander-Arnold placed not only flowers but also a handwritten message and a red PlayStation controller, a heartfelt nod to Jota’s well-known passion for gaming. The tribute also honoured Jota’s brother, André, whose memory is preserved alongside the Portuguese forward at the mural.
Alexander-Arnold’s 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.”
Lasting Friendship
This was not the first time the England international had spoken publicly about his grief. In the days following Jota’s passing, Alexander-Arnold wrote on social media about his former teammate’s kindness and devotion to his family.
“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,” he wrote. “Diogo, your family was your world. For Rute, his children, and his parents, all of our hearts are broken. And for André 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 teammate and a true friend. Forever number 20. Rest in peace, Diogo.”
