Liverpool: Trent Alexander-Arnold lays wreath at Diogo Jota memorial on return to Anfield

The pair played together for five years

Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold laid a wreath at Diogo Jota’s memorial ahead of facing Liverpool in the Champions League .

Alexander-Arnold played alongside Jota for five years, and the pair won the Premier League together last season before the Briton joined Real on a free transfer.

Returning to Anfield for the first time since leaving his boyhood club, Alexander-Arnold took the opportunity to pay tribute.

The Real Madrid delegation pay tribute to Diogo Jota

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Joined by Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, Dean Huijsen, and Emilio Butragueno, the 27-year-old laid a wreath and handwritten card at Jota’s memorial, which has stood outside the ground since July.

His message 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. Forever 20 YNWA. Love Trent and family.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s handwritten message to Diogo Jota

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Alexander-Arnold also left a red PlayStation controller at the memorial, a reference to Jota’s well-known love of video games.

The controller carried another handwritten message: "Forever a champion 20. TAA."

A wreath laid by Alonso also carried a message, which read: “Real Madrid CF expresses its deepest condolences to Liverpool FC and the family of Diogo Jota . The football world mourns the loss of an exceptional person and a remarkable player.”

Jota’s No20 shirt was retired following his passing. He has also been posthumously inducted into his former club Wolves’ hall of fame.