Trent Alexander-Arnold has honoured Diogo Jota after aiding Real Madrid's progression to the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final, stating: "He will never be forgotten."
The England international, who transferred from his childhood club Liverpool to Real Madrid in early June, was regrettably unable to attend his ex-teammate's funeral on Saturday due to the Spanish club's commitments in the United States. Los Blancos secured their spot in the final four with a 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund, setting up a clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
"My condolences, my love, my thoughts and prayers to the family of a close friend of mine," expressed Alexander-Arnold, reflecting on the five years he shared the pitch with Jota at Anfield. "It's been very very difficult for me personally, and also the ones that knew him. Not just team-mates, friends and family, but also the footballing world.
"Some things are bigger than the game. It's been difficult, but it's been heartwarming to see the football world unite to show love and support to him and his family, and also his brother. Although it's been difficult, it's been a nice showing out from clubs and people uniting and showing love and support for what must be a mind-blowingly hard time for his family."
Alexander-Arnold added: "I've been in and around him and his brother, his family, his amazing wife, his parents, his amazing three children - it's truly heartbreaking to wake up to news like that. It's something you would never expect."
"He was a very close friend. Someone who lit up a room when he was in it. I shared a dressing room with him for five years. Amazing memories on and off the pitch. It goes without saying he will never be forgotten by anyone.
"He will live long in all our memories for the amazing man and player he was."
Liverpool's squad came together in mourning as they joined family, friends, and international team-mates to bid farewell to their beloved colleague at his funeral in Gondomar on Saturday.
The 28 year old father-of-three, who had just married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso two weeks prior, and his brother, Andre Silva, were honoured at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar church in their hometown near Porto after tragically losing their lives in a car accident on Thursday.
Liverpool stalwarts Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson each bore floral tributes shaped like red shirts with the brothers' numbers, as head coach Arne Slot and most of the team attended the service.
Michael Edwards, the former sporting director responsible for bringing Jota to Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and now Fenway Sports Group's chief executive of football, was present alongside current sporting director Richard Hughes, head of physiotherapy Lee Nobes, and various other club staff members.
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who paid his respects by laying flowers at the impromptu memorial outside Anfield on Friday, was present. James Milner, Thiago Alcantara - who joined in the same transfer window as Jota - Caoimhin Kelleher, Fabinho and Jota's former Wolves and Portugal teammate Joao Moutinho were also in attendance.
Joao Cancelo and Jota's 'best mate' in football, Ruben Neves, the ex-Wolves captain whom Jota has known since their teenage years, were also there. The duo had been participating in the Club World Cup in the United States on Friday night - both breaking down in tears before their quarter-final match against Fluminense as a tribute to Jota and his brother was displayed on large screens - before flying back to attend the funeral.