Andy Robertson was visibly moved during a touching seven-minute tribute to his close friend Diogo Jota following Liverpool's first game since the striker's tragic passing.
The Reds took on Preston North End at Deepdale on Sunday afternoon, an occasion charged with emotion after the untimely deaths of Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car accident on July 3.
Liverpool comfortably secured a 3-1 victory thanks to goals from Conor Bradley, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo - both Nunez and Gakpo paid homage to Jota by replicating his iconic goal celebrations after they found the back of the net.
The tributes commenced with a stirring rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' performed by Claudia Rose Maguire, wife of ex-Preston player Sean, before the game kicked off.
As Maguire delivered Liverpool's anthem, Preston skipper Ben Whiteman traversed the length of the pitch to place a wreath in front of the away fans, with the Bill Shankly Kop awash with banners and scarves emblazoned with Jota's name.
Jota's name echoed around the stadium for the duration of the 90 minutes as Reds supporters expressed their affection for him and solidarity with his family. The most heartfelt tributes were made post-match when the entire Liverpool squad stood before the Reds fans and applauded as they sang Jota's song.
Nunez appeared particularly moved during this moment, comforted by Reds captain Virgil van Dijk, before the overwhelming emotion seemed too much for Robertson, who turned away from his teammates and walked in the opposite direction.
Robertson wiped away tears during the tributes
Robertson wiped away tears during the tributes (Image: Getty Images)
The Scottish left-back shared a deeply moving homage to his late friend on the day of his passing, writing bare and raw emotions in every word.
Robertson penned: "The ones I'm thinking about most right now are the family. Their loss is too much to bear. I'm so sorry that they have lost two such precious souls – Diogo and Andre.
"For the team and the Club, we'll try to cope with this together... however long that takes. For me, I want to talk about my mate. My buddy. The bloke I loved and will miss like crazy.
"I could talk about him as a player for hours, but none of that feels like it matters right now. It's the man. The person. He was such a good guy. The best. So genuine. Just normal and real. Full of love for the people he cared about. Full of fun.
Liverpool fans showed their love for Jota at Preston
Liverpool fans showed their love for Jota at Preston (Image: Getty Images)
"He was the most British foreign player I've ever met. We used to joke he was really Irish... I'd try to claim him as Scottish, obviously. I even called him Diogo MacJota. We'd watch the darts together, enjoy the horse racing. Going to Cheltenham this season was a highlight - one of the best we had.
"The last time I saw him was the happiest day of his life – his wedding day. I want to remember his never-ceasing smile from that magical day. How much he was bursting with love for his wife and family.
"I can't believe we're saying goodbye. It's too soon, and it hurts so much. But thank you for being in my life, mate – and for making it better. Love you, Diogo."