Heartbroken Trent Alexander-Arnold opens up in powerful interview after tragic death of former teammate Diogo Jota 💔
Trent Alexander-Arnold breaks down in heartfelt interview after tragic loss of former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota 💔
Following Real Madrid’s 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund at the Club World Cup on Saturday, Alexander-Arnold addressed the media.
Trent Alexander-Arnold revealed it was “incredibly difficult” to stay focused during Real Madrid’s dramatic 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund, as he continued to grieve the devastating loss of former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota.
Jota, 28, and his brother André Silva — who played for Portuguese second-division side Penafiel — tragically lost their lives in a car crash in northwestern Spain during the early hours of Thursday, July 3.
According to BBC Sport, the fatal accident occurred when their Lamborghini attempted to overtake another vehicle. A suspected tyre blowout caused the car to veer off the road and burst into flames.
In the days that followed, tributes flooded in from across the football world. Every club Jota had represented paid their respects, as did global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and many of his former teammates.
The brothers were laid to rest in a joint funeral on Saturday, July 5, in Gondomar, Portugal. Several Liverpool players — including Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson, and Alexis Mac Allister — were present, alongside new head coach Arne Slot and former club captain Jordan Henderson.
Later that day, 26-year-old Trent Alexander-Arnold — another of Jota’s former Liverpool teammates — featured in Real Madrid’s 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup quarter-final held in New Jersey.
Speaking after the match, the England defender confessed it had been “extremely hard” to process the heartbreaking news of Jota’s passing.
“I had to stay focused and give everything for the team, even though it was incredibly tough,” Alexander-Arnold told DAZN.
“It wasn’t easy, but I pushed myself to stay locked in on my responsibilities. I did my best under the circumstances, but I won’t pretend it wasn’t one of the hardest things I’ve had to do.”
“[Jota] was one of my closest friends, and I know deep down this is what he would’ve wanted me to do,” Alexander-Arnold said. “We probably would’ve shared a laugh about that assist too. I could feel him with me out there — I’m certain of it.”
Trent and Jota shared the pitch 145 times during their time together at Liverpool.
“We spent five years in the same dressing room — unforgettable moments both on and off the pitch,” Trent continued. “He’ll never be forgotten by anyone who knew him. His legacy will live on forever in our hearts, both for the incredible person he was and the world-class player.”
“I’ve had the honour of knowing his brother, his family, his wonderful wife, his amazing parents, and his beautiful children. Waking up to news like that… it’s absolutely devastating. No one ever expects something like this.”
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé also honoured Jota with a touching gesture — holding up the number 20 with his fingers after scoring late against Dortmund.