Liverpool star Robertson reveals a fascinating insight into how Diogo Jota's tragic death continues to affect some of those who were closest to him
Andy Robertson discusses Diogo Jota after Scotland booked their World Cup place
Andy Robertson discusses Diogo Jota after Scotland booked their World Cup place
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Andy Robertson made a startling admission in the wake of helping Scotland book a place at the World Cup. Despite preparing for one of the biggest games of his life, Robertson couldn't stop thinking about his former Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota.
“I’ve hid it well, but I've been in bits," said Robertson, "I know the age I'm at, this could be my last chance to go to the World Cup. I couldn’t get my mate Diogo Jota out of my head. We spoke so much about the World Cup. He missed out last time because of injury, I missed out because Scotland didn't qualify, and we always discussed what it would be like going to the World Cup.
"I was in a bit of trouble in my room earlier. I think I hid it well from the boys. I know he’ll be somewhere smiling over me. I couldn’t get him out of my head all day.”
Robertson might not be alone, when it comes to finding himself still grieving for his close friend. Several of his Liverpool colleagues have been distant, less focused and struggling for motivation this season. Mo Salah, in particular, has appeared to be a shadow of his former self.
Reminders of Jota's horrendous death in a car accident in July have remained constant at Anfield, where the club has been determined to honour and remember one of its favourite sons.
His seat in the Anfield dressing room has remained, unoccupied, with his name still above it. The same applies to the one he used at the training ground. His name has also continued to appear on the team list on the back of match programmes.
Liverpool duo Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson at the funeral of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva
Liverpool duo Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson at the funeral of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva
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The message is clear. Jota will never be forgotten. And nor should he be, because speak to anyone in football who knew him and they will tell you the Portuguese was as wonderful a man as he was a player.
But for some, like Robertson, these reminders of Jota could be making it harder for him to find the motivation to move forward, and accept a future without him.
Who knows? People deal with grief in different ways. But Robertson deserves huge credit for being candid and honest about how he still feels.
Diogo Jota
Diogo Jota lost his life in a car accident in the summer
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It makes a refreshing change to hear a top level footballer speak from his heart. Robertson was close to Jota. The Scot was left devastated more than most, and attended his funeral in the town of Gondomar, near Porto.
Life moves on, of course, but it does so at different speeds for different people.
And while Liverpool have struggled to recreate the blistering form which took them to the title last season, one explanation as the scrutiny into their results continues, could be down to the fact that certain footballers are processing the fact the one bloke who could help them, won't be able to ever do so again.
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