Takumi Minamino has revealed he was determined to return to Anfield to pay his respects to former team-mate Diogo Jota despite currently being sidelined by injury. The ex-Liverpool forward was with the Monaco camp as they ran out 3-2 winners over the Reds in Andoni Iraola’s first home game in charge.
However, having injured his ACL last December, there was never any real possibility of the Japan international being able to play against his old club. While unable to pull on his boots, Minamino was afforded a warm reception by supporters ahead of kick-off, and was seen catching up with compatriot Wataru Endo and a number of his former Liverpool team-mates.
Tribute to Diogo Jota
Minamino, who played alongside Jota for 18 months at the Reds, had been unable to return to Merseyside to pay tribute to his former team-mate following his tragic passing last summer. But with Monaco facing his old club in the pre-season friendly, he led a contingent to Anfield on Sunday morning.
Minamino laid a wreath on behalf of the Ligue 1 club at the ‘Forever 20’ memorial in honour of Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, while the group also paid their respects at the Hillsborough Memorial. And the 31-year-old was emotional when recalling his former team-mate to Monaco club media ahead of kick-off.
“I played two seasons with him (Diogo Jota). He was a top, top player,” Minamino said. “A very good personality. All team-mates like him. I couldn’t come here until today so I wanted to really come here to give some things to him. I’m very, very emotional.”
Special return to Anfield
Meanwhile, speaking to LFC TV ahead of kick-off, Minamino revealed just how delighted he was to return to Anfield as he reflected on his happiest memories from his time at the club.
“Unfortunately I couldn’t play because I’m injured but even as an opponent, to come back to this stadium, it feels special,” he said. “I know how much the fans push the team and can change the feeling in the game. I’ve been really looking forward to the game. I’m very happy to be back here. For me, this is a very special place. I’m happy to be back here.
“I have lots of special memories but for me, one of the best memories was against Leicester City. It was a cup game and we were losing 2-3, I think, and I scored the equalising goal. A cross from (James) Milner and I scored and we won the penalties. That game for me is one of the best memories with the fans. It was also an amazing moment (winning the league).
“To win a title, especially the Premier League, it was my dream when I was young. I still remember that moment. It was a special moment for me.”
