Andy Robertson – who gave one of the most moving tributes to Diogo Jota on the day of his death – appeared to struggle as Liverpool players and fans came together to commemorate him
Emotional Andy Robertson Leads Liverpool’s Heartfelt Tribute to Diogo Jota at Deepdale
Liverpool’s return to the pitch on Sunday was marked by deep emotion, grief, and unity, as the club honoured Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away alongside his brother Andre Silva in a car accident on July 3. In their first pre-season fixture since the devastating loss, the Reds faced Preston North End in an occasion that became much more than just a football match.
The Reds secured a 3-1 win at Deepdale, but the result faded into the background amid poignant tributes and powerful gestures of remembrance.
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❤️ “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and the Wreath-Laying Tribute
The afternoon began with Claudia Rose Maguire delivering a stunning rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, Liverpool’s iconic anthem. As she sang, Preston captain Ben Whiteman laid a wreath in front of the travelling Liverpool fans — a gesture met with heartfelt applause.
The Bill Shankly Kop end of the stadium was a sea of banners, scarves, and flags bearing Jota’s name, with supporters from both clubs paying their respects.
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⚽ Celebrations for Jota
On the pitch, Conor Bradley, Darwin Nunez, and Cody Gakpo found the back of the net for Liverpool, with both Nunez and Gakpo mimicking Jota’s signature goal celebration in honour of their fallen teammate. The emotion was clear, especially on Nunez’s face after scoring, and he was soon comforted by captain Virgil van Dijk.
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😢 Robertson Overwhelmed by Emotion
Following the final whistle, the entire Liverpool squad stood united in front of their supporters, clapping as fans passionately sang “Jota’s song”. The moment proved too overwhelming for Andy Robertson, who had shared a special bond with the Portuguese forward.
As the tribute echoed through the stadium, Robertson turned away, visibly emotional, stepping aside from his teammates in a deeply human moment of sorrow.
The Scotsman’s connection with Jota was well known, and his heartbreaking tribute in the wake of his friend’s passing was widely shared across social media and the footballing world.
“I want to talk about my mate. My buddy. The bloke I loved and will miss like crazy… He was such a good guy. The best. So genuine. Just normal and real. Full of love for the people he cared about. Full of fun.”
Robertson also shared a fond memory of attending Cheltenham together, joking about how British Jota felt to his teammates:
“He was the most British foreign player I’ve ever met… I even called him Diogo MacJota.”
And perhaps most touching of all, he recalled seeing Jota for the final time:
“The last time I saw him was the happiest day of his life – his wedding day. I want to remember his never-ceasing smile from that magical day.”
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https://youtu.be/mhiLsOfO4C8?si=UZQVYrxLXoYdFhPl
🕊️ A Legacy of Love and Unity
Liverpool’s decision to retire Jota’s No. 20 shirt is a lasting tribute to a man who was cherished both as a footballer and as a person. The deep emotional response from the squad and the fans is a testament to the character Jota brought to the club.
As Liverpool move forward, preparing for the new season, the memory of Diogo Jota will remain at the heart of everything they do. Sunday’s display was not just about honouring a teammate — it was about celebrating a beloved friend, a humble man, and a cherished soul whose impact will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. You’ll Never Walk Alone.