‘Jota was there with me' says Trent Alexander-Arnold after Real Madrid Club World Cup win
Alexander-Arnold and Jota spent five years together at Liverpool, winning a number of trophies including last season's Premier League, before the right-back joined Madrid in June.
The 28-year-old Jota tragically died in a car crash on Thursday, along with his brother Andre Silva, and their joint funeral was held in Portugal on Saturday.
That evening, Alexander-Arnold took to the pitch in the United States and assisted Fran Garcia's goal in a 3-2 quarter-final win over Borussia Dortmund as they moved within two victories of the trophy in the revamped competition.
And the full-back admitted Jota was in his thoughts throughout the clash.
"I had to try to perform for the team and help them win the game, no matter how difficult it was," Alexander-Arnold told DAZN after the game.
"As hard as it was to do it, I had to push myself to focus on what my job and role was. I tried to do it as best as I could, but it was difficult and I am not going to lie about that.
"[Jota] was one of my close friends - and I am sure that's what he would have wanted me to do. I'm sure we would have had a laugh and joke about the assist as well. He was there with me, I am sure."
Alexander-Arnold also shared his disbelief when he heard the news of the Portuguese's death, struggling to come to terms with the fact that someone who 'lit up a room' in the way Jota did could be gone.
'Some things are bigger than the game,' added Alexander-Arnold. 'It has been difficult but it's been very emotional, very heart-warming to see the footballing world uniting and come together to show their love and support to him and his family, and obviously his brother as well.
"So although it's been difficult, it's also been a nice showing out from everyone, all clubs, all people, uniting and showing love and support for what must be a mind-blowingly hard time for the family.
"I've been around him and his brother, his family, his amazing wife, his parents, his amazing three children. It's truly, truly heartbreaking to wake up to news like that. It's something that you would never, ever expect.
"He was a very close friend, someone who lit up a room when he was in it. I shared the dressing room (with him) for five years (and have) amazing memories on and off the pitch with him.
"It goes without saying he will never be forgotten by anyone. He will live long in all our memories for the amazing man and player he was."
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