Henderson’s former Liverpool teammate died in a car crash in Spain in July
Jordan Henderson celebrated his first Brentford goal with a celebration used by the late Diogo Jota
Jordan Henderson celebrated his first Brentford goal with a celebration used by the late Diogo Jota (REUTERS)
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Jordan Henderson produced a touching homage to his late Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota after scoring his first goal for Brentford FC.
Henderson put the Londoners 1-0 ahead against Leeds at the Gtech Community Stadium, striking for the first time since joining the club in the summer.
After an initial celebration of the opener, Henderson sank to the floor in a seated position and mimed playing a video game, a trademark gesture made by Jota after his goals.
The Portuguese forward died in a car crash along with his brother, Andre Silva, in Spain in July while returning to Liverpool for preseason training.
Henderson and Jota were teammates for three years at Anfield before the midfielder’s departure to Al-Ettifaq in 2023.
The England international laid flowers at the home of Liverpool after Jota’s passing earlier in the year and posted a tribute on Instagram.
“It was a pleasure to share a pitch with you but more importantly a friendship,” Henderson said. “All the laughs we had off the pitch and trying to find ways to wind [James Milner] up and get him fined, which we never could.
“Taking pictures of me asleep on the bus travelling then sending them to me later. You always wanted to have a laugh and were a pleasure to be around.
“I know how much Rute and your family meant to you and I know you will always be looking down on them. Thank you for everything you brought into this world, we will all miss you.
“Rest in peace along with your brother Andre. Love ya mate. [You’ll Never Walk Alone].”
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s equaliser earned Leeds a point in the Premier League clash.