Latest news with #Ex-Liverpool
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Liverpool told there's 'definitely something' behind Newcastle's Alexander Isak omission
Newcastle star Alexander Isak missed the club's pre-season clash at the weekend after a week of talk linking him with Liverpool as Eddie Howe played down his absence Ex-Liverpool star Steve Nicol claims "there's definitely something" behind Newcastle's decision to leave Alexander Isak out of their pre-season friendly with Celtic at the weekend amid speculation regarding his exit. The Swede didn't play for the Magpies after a week where the talk was of Liverpool making an approach for the striker, who has proven himself to be one of the best No.9s in Europe since moving to St James' Park from Real Sociedad three years ago. He was a club-record signing for Newcastle, but they could demand double the £63million they paid to sign him if he did leave. Eddie Howe is adamant his leading light is going nowhere despite several clubs being keen if he were to express a desire to leave. Howe claimed that Isak was never set to appear in the game, which they lost 4-0, as Newcastle look to manage his workload after he struggled for fitness at the back end of the season, but ex-Red Nicol believes there's more to the decision that meets the eye. He told ESPN: 'It makes no sense that Alexander Isak doesn't take part in this game. Maybe he's been told that something is going on and you can't play him in case he gets injured, that's what happens. If Isak plays against Celtic and gets injured, that's £150m down the drain. So, there's definitely something.' The Newcastle manager admitted he told Isak to head home following a week where he dominated the headlines. He said: "It was my decision. I decided to send him home due to the speculation around him. The last thing he wanted is to be sat in the stand watching, that wasn't fair to him." Isak's agent Gonzalo Gaitan recently added fuel to the fire and was quoted in Saudi Arabian outlet Arriyadiyah as saying they "may be close to finalising the next step for the player" - but refused to confirm what that step would be. Newcastle, since they were taken over, have yet to lose one of their leading lights to a rival club. They've steadily built with Isak their most successful signing to date. This summer their attempts at strengthening their team have proved difficult with several of their targets heading elsewhere. The Magpies, who will return to the Champions League this term, are keen to extend the player's contract. Isak has three more years left on his current deal but is due to land a salary increase. He was reportedly frustrated after former sporting director Paul Mitchell shelved contract talks despite him being told they were on the cards.
Daily Mirror
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Trent Alexander-Arnold breaks silence on Diogo Jota's death in emotional tribute
Real Madrid star Trent Alexander-Arnold paid a special tribute to Diogo Jota, his former Liverpool team-mate who tragically died on Thursday, following the Spanish giants latest win in the FIFA Club World Cup Trent Alexander-Arnold paid tribute to Diogo Jota after helping Real Madrid into the semi-final of the FIFA Club World Cup, declaring: "He will never be forgotten." The England star, who left boyhood club Liverpool for Real Madrid at the start of June, was unable to attend his former team-mates funeral on Saturday due to the Spanish giants' participation in the United States. Los Blancos beat Borussia Dortmund 3-2 to book a final four place against Paris Saint-Germain. 'My condolences, my love, my thoughts and prayers to the family of a close friend of mine,' said Alexander-Arnold, who spent five years playing alongside Jota at Anfield. 'It's been very very difficult for me personally, and also the ones that knew him. Not just team-mates, friends and family, but also the footballing world. 'Some things are bigger than the game. It's been difficult, but it's been heartwarming to see the football world unite to show love and support to him and his family, and also his brother. Although it's been difficult, it's been a nice showing out from clubs and people uniting and showing love and support for what must be a mind-blowingly hard time for his family.' Alexander-Arnold continued: 'I've been in and around him and his brother, his family, his amazing wife, his parents, his amazing three children - it's truly heartbreaking to wake up to news like that. It's something you would never expect. "He was a very close friend. Someone who lit up a room when he was in it. I shared a dressing room with him for five years. Amazing memories on and off the pitch. 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.' Many members of Liverpool's squad were united in their grief as they said farewell to their team-mate alongside his family, friends and a host of his international team-mates at his funeral in Gondomar on Saturday. A service for the 28-year-old father-of-three, who married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso almost a fortnight ago, and his brother, Andre Silva, was held at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar church in their home town, near Porto, following their deaths in a car crash on Thursday. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson each carried a floral tribute in the shape of a red shirt bearing the respective numbers of the two brothers. Head coach Arne Slot and the majority of the squad were present. So too was Michael Edwards – the man who signed Jota from Wolves in 2020 when he was sporting director and is now chief executive of football for owners Fenway Sports Group – current sporting director Richard Hughes and head of physiotherapy Lee Nobes and a number of other members of the club's backroom staff. Ex-Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who on Friday laid flowers at the makeshift shrine outside Anfield, James Milner, Thiago Alcantara, who signed in the same transfer window as Jota, Caoimhin Kelleher, Fabinho and former Wolves and Portugal team-mate Joao Moutinho were all also in attendance. So too were Joao Cancelo and Jota's 'best friend' in football, Ruben Neves, the former Wolves captain whom Jota had known since they were teenagers. The pair had been playing in the Club World Cup in the United States on Friday night - with both breaking down in tears before their quarter-final match against Fluminense as a tribute to Jota and his brother was played on big screens - before flying back to be present at the funeral.
Daily Mirror
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Allison makes heartbreaking admission after having to miss Diogo Jota's funeral
Diogo Jota's funeral in Gondomar, Portugal, was attended by many Liverpool players of past and present, but goalkeeper Alisson was unable to make it on Saturday morning Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has posted a touching tribute to Diogo Jota on the day of his funeral. Jota was laid to rest with his brother Andre Silva in Gondomar, Portugal, on Saturday in a ceremony that was attended by many of his teammates. Jota and his brother died in a car crash in Spain in the early hours of Thursday morning. After a wake on Friday evening, which was attended by the family and close friends, the funeral took place at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar catholic church on Saturday morning. There was a large presence from Liverpool with Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister, Harvey Elliott, Wataru Endo, Darwin Nunez, Ryan Gravenberch, Federico Chiesa and manager Arne Slot among those to attend. Ex-Liverpool players in Caoimhin Kelleher, Jordan Henderson and James Milner were also present. However, Alisson was unable to make it to the ceremony, having gone back to his native Brazil during the off-season. Having sadly been unable to attend the funeral of his father, who drowned at the age of 57 in 2021, Alisson was faced with a similarly devastating problem after the shock news of Jota's passing. Alongside a picture of Alisson and his family with Jota's family, he wrote on Instagram: "Usually, I post things that make sense, but today, nothing makes sense! Once again, an ocean separates me from 'saying goodbye' to someone I love! "But I know that I am well represented by my club mates! To you, my friend @rutecfcardoso14, just know that you will never walk alone, we will be with you as soon as possible! "In a moment like this, all we can do is bow down before the Sovereignty of God, and receive grace and help in this time! I'll remember Diogo as a great friend, father and husband!" Earlier this year, Alisson spoke candidly about the traumatic decision he was forced to make for his father's funeral, with Covid restrictions in place and a pregnant partner. "When I got the call that my father died, I was an ocean away from home. I was in Liverpool, and we were in the middle of the 2020-2021 season. His death was sudden. A complete shock," Alisson wrote in The Players' Tribune. "It was even more complicated, because it was right in the middle of the pandemic, and the logistics of getting home were a nightmare. My wife was pregnant with our third child, and Covid was exploding again in Brazil. Her doctor said that it was risky for her to travel, so she had to stay in Liverpool with our kids." He added: "But it was an impossible situation, because at that time, in order to fly out of the country, you had to be quarantined in a hotel for 14 days when you returned. The thought of coming back from my father's funeral and being trapped in a hotel room by myself for two weeks was hard, but the worst part was imagining my wife on her own for that long. She was going to be in her third trimester, and anything could happen. "We had to watch his funeral on FaceTime. My brother held up the phone for the entire service, and I was able to pray and cry with my mother, and even say goodbye to my father at his casket. In that moment, as strange as it sounds, you forget that you're on a screen." Van Dijk and Robertson carried red floral tributes bearing his No.20 Liverpool shirt number. Ruben Neves, who played with Jota for Wolves and the Portugal national team, was among those to help carry his coffin. Jota and his brother died after the Lamborghini they were travelling in spun off the road in north west Spain and caught fire in the early hours of Thursday morning. The funeral followed a private wake on Friday, which was attended by Jota's wife Rute Cardoso, who he married last month, and the player's family.
Daily Mirror
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Henderson wipes away tear as ex-Liverpool skipper pays Jota tribute at Anfield
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has returned to Liverpool to pay an emotional tribute to his ex-teammate Diogo Jota after his tragic death in a car crash in Spain Jordan Henderson wiped away tears as he returned to Anfield with a tribute for former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota. The Portuguese forward died in a devastating car crash in Spain on Thursday night alongside his brother Andre Silva. The footballing world has been struck by grief since the news was confirmed, with kind messages being sent from all corners of the globe. Ex-Liverpool skipper Henderson - currently playing for Dutch side Ajax - decided to return to Merseyside to pay his respects. The midfielder laid a scarf and flowers within a growing memorial to Jota outside of Anfield. He was also spotted wiping away a tear as he attempted to come to terms with the heartbreaking loss of his former teammate. Henderson's gesture comes just a day after he had written a touching tribute on social media. He said: "I really can't believe what has happened today and all I can think about is Diogo and Andre's family. It's unimaginable the pain you all must be suffering. All of our prayers, love and support are with you now and forever. "Jots it was a pleasure to share a pitch with you but more importantly a friendship. All the laughs we had off the pitch and trying to find ways to wind milly up and get him fined, which we never could. "Taking pictures of me asleep on the bus travelling then sending them to me later. You always wanted to have a laugh and were a pleasure to be around. I know how much Rute and your family meant to you and I know you will always be looking down on them. "Thank you for everything you brought into this world, we will all miss you. Rest in peace along with your brother Andre. Love ya mate. YNWA." Henderson has joined many of his ex-teammates in paying tribute to Jota and his brother. Current captain Virgil van Dijk also penned some words, while making a vow to Jota's family. He said: "Man, I can't believe it, I don't wanna believe it. Absolutely devastated and in total disbelief. What a human being, what a player, but most importantly what an unbelievable family man. "You meant so much to all of us and you always will! For your family to lose two sons, a husband and a father is just unimaginable. So cruel and unfair. "My heart is breaking for all of your beautiful family, for Rute and for your kids. I promise you that in these difficult times and beyond we will always be there for your family. "A champion forever, number 20 forever. It's been a privilege to have stood by your side on the pitch, and to have been your friend off it. We will miss you beyond words and never forget you. Your legacy will live on, we will make sure of it! Rest in perfect peace Diogo & André." Liverpool have already delayed their return for pre-season following the news of Jota's passing. They were originally set to return this Friday for initial testing but that has now been pushed back to Monday at the earliest.
Irish Daily Mirror
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Diogo Jota's best friend at Liverpool shares wedding day memory in tribute
Ex-Liverpool shot-stopper Caoimhin Kelleher has shared an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota following the heartbreaking news of his sudden death. The pair, who had been teammates for half a decade at Anfield, were quite close, with Jota even considering Kelleher as one of his nearest mates in Merseyside. They were travelling in a Lamborghini near Zamora in Spain when it veered off the road and burst into flames, killing both before emergency services arrived. Figures in the sport from across the world have paid tribute to the Premier League champion. And now Kelleher, who attended Jota's wedding to wife Rute Cardoso less than a fortnight prior to his death, has penned his own heartfelt message to his late former team-mate. "Jots. Can't believe I'm writing this right now and I'm finding it hard to put into words," read the 26-year-old's Instagram post. "I'm absolutely devastated by this news. All my thoughts and condolences are with Rute and their three beautiful kids and Diogo and Andre's family. It was a such a pleasure to get to know you over these years and to share some special memories on the pitch and even more so off it. "You became one of my closest friends in football. We bonded over all things sports watching any football match we could find often your brother Andre's game on your iPad. "I was surprised a lad from Portugal loved sports such as darts, snooker and horse racing so much and some of my best memories were having a laugh watching them with you. "You were such a fun genuine, normal down to earth and loving family man and always very competitive. I'm gonna miss our pre match programme quiz. I feel so blessed and grateful to have seen you on your happiest day, the day of your wedding and to be able to share in that day with you was special. I'll never forget it. "You were deeply loved by everyone at the club, the city and all over the world. It's gonna hurt for a long time and I'm gonna miss you so much but I feel so lucky to have got know you and have such a good friend. Love you Diogo." The testimony revealed the extent of their bond off the field, illustrated by the fact Kelleher was present for one of the biggest days in Jota's life. Kelleher, who joined Brentford in an £18million deal earlier this summer, and Liverpool let-back Andy Robertson were each present as Jota and teenage sweetheart Rute tied the knot in their hometown of Porto. Both Kelleher and Robertson were also at Jota's side when they took in some horse races at Cheltenham together in March. However, it's clear their bond ran far deeper than sport alone. Jota previously attested to Kelleher being his best friend in the Liverpool squad in a union few might have expected. When asked whom his best Anfield pal was in 2024, the Portuguese replied: "Nowadays I would say Caoimhin. There have been a few departing the squad. "We play a quiz game, we play each other. There is one on the match day programme. It is a good way to start the match day action." One fan replied to Kelleher's sorrowful post, saying: "Sorry for your loss Caoimhin. We could all see how close you are. It's absolutely devastating." Republic of Ireland team-mates John Egan and Adam Idah also responded with love heart emojis as a show of support for their countryman.
