Liverpool's players were visibly emotional as they paid tribute to Diogo Jota following the forward's tragic death, with Andy Robertson struggling to hold back the tears
19:55, 13 Jul 2025Updated 19:56, 13 Jul 2025
Andrew Robertson wipes a tear from his eye as Liverpool players and coaching staff acknowledge the fans' tribute to Diogo Jota
Andrew Robertson wipes a tear from his eye as Liverpool players and coaching staff acknowledge the fans' tribute to Diogo Jota(Image: Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
Andy Robertson was visibly moved during a heartfelt seven-minute tribute to his close team-mate Diogo Jota following Liverpool's first match since the striker's untimely death.
The Reds took on Preston North End at Deepdale on Sunday afternoon, an emotionally charged affair following the tragic loss of Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car accident on July 3. Liverpool clinched a 3-1 victory with goals from Conor Bradley, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo, with both Nunez and Gakpo paying homage to Jota's signature goal celebrations after finding the back of the net.
The tribute kicked off with a stirring rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' by Claudia Rose Maguire, wife of ex-Preston player Sean, before the whistle blew. As Maguire belted out Liverpool's anthem, Preston skipper Ben Whiteman traversed the pitch to place a wreath in front of the visiting 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 full 90 minutes as Reds supporters expressed their affection for the late forward and solidarity with his family. The most touching tributes came post-match when the entire Liverpool squad stood before the Reds faithful, applauding 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 to hit Robertson, who turned away from his team-mates and walked in the opposite direction, reports the Mirror.
Andy Robertson walks away from the rest of the Liverpool players.
Andy Robertson walks away from the rest of the Liverpool players.(Image: PA)
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On the day Liverpool announced the tragic loss of Jota, it was Robertson's heartfelt tribute that resonated deeply with many, a poignant reflection of the strong bond the Scotland international had forged with his Portuguese team-mate during their time together at the club.
In his moving tribute, Robertson expressed his deepest condolences to Jota's family, acknowledging the unbearable pain of their loss: "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."
Turning his thoughts to the team and the club, Robertson pledged to navigate this difficult time collectively: "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."
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On a personal note, he shared: "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."
Fondly recalling their light-hearted moments together, Robertson noted: "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."
Liverpool fans brought banners in honour of Diogo Jota
Liverpool fans brought banners in honour of Diogo Jota(Image: PA)
One of Robertson's most cherished memories of Jota was from his wedding day, the last time they met: "The last time I saw him was the happiest day of his life – his wedding day.
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"I want to remember his never-ceasing smile from that magical day. How much he was bursting with love for his wife and family."
Struggling to come to terms with the loss of his dear friend, Robertson concluded: "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."