TRENT Alexander-Arnold dedicated his performance in Real Madrid’s Club World Cup win to former Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota.
Alexander-Arnold took to the field for the first time since Jota and his brother were killed in a car accident on Thursday.
And the ex-Reds star created the second goal for fellow wing back Fran Garcia as Real raced into a 2-0 lead before surviving a Borussia Dortmund fightback in stoppage-time to win 3-2.
Alexander-Arnold said: “No matter how difficult it was and how difficult it is, I still have a job to do do.
“As hard as it was, I had to try to push it to the back of my mind.
“It was difficult, I’m not going to lie about that.
“I’ve done it in honour of my close friend.
“That’s what I’m sure he would have wanted me to do and we would have had a laugh and a joke about the assist.
“That was in some way in memory of him. He was there with me today I’m sure.”
Alexander-Arnold bravely decided to speak in public about Jota after previously paying tribute via social media.
Visibly emotional, the England star who joined Real in order to play in the Club World Cup told DAZN: “First and foremost I want to send my condolences, my love, my thoughts and prayers to the family of a close friend of mine.
“It’s been very very difficult for me and all the ones that knew him – not just team-mates, friends and family, but the footballing world.
“It’s been very emotional and heartwarming to see the football world unite and come together to show their love and support to him and his family and his brother as well.
“Although it’s been difficult, it’s been a nice showing out from everyone, all clubs and all people uniting to show love and support in what must be a mind-blowingly hard time for the family.
“I’ve been in and around him and his brother, his family, his amazing wife, his parents, his amazing three children, so it’s truly truly heartbreaking to wake up to news like that.
“It’s something you would never ever 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 with him.
“He will never be forgotten by anyone. He will live long in our memories for the man and player he was.”
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