Trent Alexander-Arnold laid a floral tribute to former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva outside Anfield on his first return to the stadium with Real Madrid. The 27-year-old right-back, who left Liverpool for Real Madrid in a controversial summer move, joined a delegation including head coach Xabi Alonso and defender Dean Huijsen to honour Jota.
Alexander-Arnold’s personal note read: 'My mate Diogo, you are so missed but still so loved. Yours and Andre’s memories will always live on. I smile every time I think about you and will always remember the great times we shared. Miss you mate every day. Love Trent and family.' Huijsen and Real Madrid’s director of football Emilio Butragueno also presented the club’s official tribute.
Alexander-Arnold and Jota were teammates for five seasons at Anfield, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and two League Cups. The right-back was booed by some Liverpool fans after his move to Real Madrid, which saw Liverpool receive an £8.4m fee at the end of his contract.
Alonso, who also made the switch from Liverpool to Real Madrid in 2009, urged Alexander-Arnold to enjoy his return. 'He has to have his own feelings and enjoy it his own way,' Alonso said. 'For sure his history is different from mine, he was born and bred in Liverpool... So he needs to enjoy that moment.'
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot added: 'I have great memories of the player and the human being. He was my vice-captain last season and I have memories of working with him which were only positive. How the fans... I have no clue how that's going to be but he gets a warm welcome from me.'
