Trent, devastated, speaks out about Diogo Jota's death: 'I'm not going to lie...'

One of the news stories that has shaped the current soccer world is the death of Diogo Jota. The Liverpool forward was driving on a road in Zamora with his brother André Silva and, after overtaking another vehicle, both suffered a traffic accident that cost them their lives. Expressions of condolences have quickly poured in.

Beyond the official statements and the service held in Portugal yesterday, testimonies from his teammates and fellow countrymen continue to accumulate rapidly. One of the most heartfelt comes from a player who is now part of the Merengue sports discipline: Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Real Madrid's number "12" shared the Anfield Road locker room with Diogo Jota for five years. Their chemistry both on and off the field was quite evident. That's why the departure of the "20" red has affected a footballer who, nevertheless, has been able to be present for the Club World Cup quarterfinals. "Some things are bigger than soccer itself", said the former Liverpool footballer after the match.

"It's been very difficult, but also very emotional, very comforting to see the soccer world come together to show their love and support for him and his family" in this situation. Alexander-Arnold also doesn't want to forget Diogo Jota's brother, who also lost his life in the traffic accident in Zamora. "Although it's been difficult, it's also been a good display of all the clubs and people coming together to show support and love in an incredibly difficult time for the family".

Shocking: very moved

The English player acknowledges that "I've been close to him, to his brother, to his family, to his unbelievable wife", so "it's completely heartbreaking to wake up to news like that". The death of Diogo Jota and his brother "is something you'd never expect. He was a very close friend, someone who lit up the room when he was in it", as other Liverpool players have also acknowledged.

The mark of the memory Diogo Jota has left on the Madrid player is practically indelible. Not only because of his recent departure from Liverpool, but also because "I shared a locker room with him for five years and I have unbelievable memories both on and off the field" from that time together. "It goes without saying he won't be forgotten, he'll live on in our memories for a long time", says Alexander-Arnold.

The right back admits that "it was difficult" to face Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinals, just days after learning of the tragic death of his Portuguese friend in an accident. "I'm not going to lie about that, but I did it in honor of my good friend. I'm sure that's what he would've wanted me to do", says Real Madrid's number "12".

Moved, the Merengue defender makes it clear that "in a way, this has been in his memory. He was with me today, I'm sure of it". Those words from Trent Alexander-Arnold about the memory Diogo Jota leaves behind are truly moving and make it clear that many will miss the presence of the talented Portuguese.