Trent Alexander-Arnold shares heartbreaking message to Diogo Jota, as he lays a wreath in memory of his former team-mate on his Liverpool return

Trent Alexander-Arnold has paid homage to former Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota upon his return to Anfield.

Jota, 28, and his younger brother, Andre - who was 26 and also a professional footballer from the Portuguese second division - were killed in July when their Lamborghini veered off the A‑52 motorway near Cernadilla following a tyre blowout while they were overtaking.

Alexander-Arnold had left Liverpool a month prior for Real Madrid in a £8.4million move.

Leaving in the off-season meant he was unable to pay tribute to Jota in Liverpool until now, with Real on Merseyside ahead of their Champions League clash encounter against the Reds on Tuesday night.

And on Monday night, Alexander-Arnold laid flowers in memory of the Jota brothers outside Anfield.

Accompanying a message with the flowers, it read: '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. Love Trent and family. Forever 20. YNWA.'

A red PlayStation console pad was also put down at the scene in honour of Jota's well-known love of gaming. The red Playstation pad was signed: 'Forever a champion 20. TAA.'

As well as Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, who used to play for the Reds, was present.

Real defender, and former Bournemouth star, Dean Huijsen and club legend Emilio Butragueno also paid their respects.

Liverpool retired their No 20 shortly after the sudden passing of Jota, who joined the club from Wolverhampton Wanderers in September 2020.

Alexander-Arnold and Jota played 145 times together for the Anfield in that time, helping the club win one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and one Community Shield in that period.