“Diogo Jota lit up a room when he walked in”

The passing of Diogo Jota continues to generate heartfelt tributes and memories. Alexander-Arnold, until this Saturday, had maintained a low profile regarding the tragic accident involving his former team-mate and a "close friend", as the England international described him after the victory against Borussia Dortmund.

Until barely a month ago, Alexander-Arnold and Jota were team-mates. The Englishman, due to Club World Cup commitments, was unable to travel to Portugal to pay his final respects, but he wanted to say goodbye by remembering who Jota was.

"My condolences, my love, my thoughts and my prayers to the family of a very close friend. Personally, it is a very difficult time for me and also for everyone who knew him. Not only team-mates, friends and family, but also for the world of football," he said on 'DAZN'.

"There are things that are bigger than sport. It is proving very difficult, but it is rewarding to see how the whole world of football, united, shows love and support for him and his family, and also for his brother. Even though it is difficult, it is lovely to see how clubs and people are united and giving support in what must be a terribly difficult time for his family," he added.

Alexander-Arnold added: "I have been with him and with his brother, with his family, his incredible wife, his parents, his three children. It is heartbreaking that they wake up to news like this. It is something you never expect. Jota was a very close friend. Someone who lit up a room when he was in it. I have shared a dressing room with him for five years. I have incredible memories on and off the pitch. Needless to say, no one will ever forget him."