The Dark Blues skipper was a close friend of the Portugal star, who tragically lost his life last summer
22:18, 18 Nov 2025
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Andy Robertson
An emotional Andy Robertson dedicated helping Scotland qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1998 to his late Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota.
Steve Clarke's side secured automatic qualification for next summer's finals in North America with a 4-2 victory against Denmark at Hampden Park, with incredible goals from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean giving a whole new generation of Tartan Army fans a night they will never forget.
Anfield star Jota tragically lost his life in a car accident back in July, just 10 days after marrying his childhood sweetheart.
Robertson was present at the wedding, and was close to the Portuguese forward, who he won a Premier League title, an FA Cup and a League Cup with in their five years together on Merseyside.
And when he was asked about the feeling of ending Scotland's 27-year wait to appear in the world's most prestigious international tournament, the 31-year-old's thoughts immediately went out to his pal.
Speaking to BBC Sport Scotland, he said: "I couldn't get my mate Diogo Jota out of my head today. We spoke so much about together about the World Cup. I know he'll be smiling over me today. I'm so glad it's ended up this way.
"He missed out in Qatar 2022 through injury and I'd missed out with Scotland and we always discussed what it would be like going to the World Cup.
Andy Robertson and Diogo Jota
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Andy Robertson and Diogo Jota(Image: Liverpool FC)
"I know he'll be smiling over me today. I'm so glad it's ended up this way. I just couldn't get him out my head the whole day.
"This group of boys, this group of staff - it's the best group I've been involved in.
"The manager's speech before the game was unbelievable. He went through the big moments we've had. Qualifying for the Euros - he couldn't quite remember - we were in Wunderbar. He said 'let's make it another one'.
"We were quite emotional. To do it for him, the staff and all our families, it'll go down as one of the greatest nights of my life."
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