“I smile every time I think about you” - Trent Alexander-Arnold pays tribute to Diogo Jota with hand-written note before Liverpool return

Real Madrid star Trent Alexander-Arnold paid tribute ot former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota at Anfield ahead of the two sides' matchup. The Englishman is making his return to the stadium for the first time since his summer move to the Spanish side.

In a handwritten note at the memorial, Trent recalled their time together in Liverpool and said he missed him every day. The Real Madrid star placed a floral wreath with the note, and a PlayStation controller, honoring Jota's love for gaming. He wrote:

"My mate Diogo, you are so missed but still so loved. Yours and Andre's memory 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. Forever 20. YNWA. Love Trent and family."

Trent also paid tribute on social media when the tragic accident happened in July, and wrote:

"It's so difficult to find the right words when your head and heart are struggling to accept that someone you care so much about has gone. Diogo, your family was your world. They were everything. For Rute, his children, and his parents, all of our hearts are broken.

"And for Andre as well. Brothers and best friends. When it's less painful, I want to remember Diogo with a big smile. So many laughs and happy moments. He was such a great teammate and a true friend. Forever number 20. Rest in peace, Diogo."

Diogo Jota passed away in July 2025 after a car accident on his way from Portugal to England. The Liverpool star was travelling with his brother, just days before he was scheduled to join pre-season training with the Reds.

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso sends message to Liverpool star

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is confident that Liverpool's new signing, Florian Wirtz, will do well at Anfield. He believes that the German has the class to adapt and hailed him as a special player, before hoping that the 22-year-old does not shine in their UEFA Champions League clash on Tuesday, November 4.

He said (via Madrid Universal):

"It's a big change for him to come here after so many years in Germany. He has to adapt, but he’s a very special player… and perhaps that’s one of the reasons he’s here. I hope it’s not tomorrow, but that he can show his class soon."

Florian Wirtz played 119 matches under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen before making the switch to Liverpool in the summer. He is yet to score for the Reds, and has just three assists in 14 games.