Trent Alexander-Arnold, the England full-back now playing for Real Madrid, has opened up about the emotional toll of losing his former Liverpool teammate, Diogo Jota, in a tragic car accident. Despite the heartbreak, Alexander-Arnold delivered a stellar performance in Real Madrid's 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup quarter-final.

A Difficult Time

Alexander-Arnold described the news of Jota's death as "extremely difficult" to process. "I had to try to perform for the team and help them win the game, no matter how difficult it was," he told DAZN after the match. "As hard as it was to do it, I had to push myself to focus on what my job and role was. I tried to do it as best as I could, but it was difficult and I am not going to lie about that."

A Friend and Teammate

Jota, who was 28 years old, died alongside his 25-year-old brother, Andre Silva, in a car crash in Portugal. Their joint funeral was held on Saturday. Alexander-Arnold and Jota had spent five years together at Liverpool, forming a close bond both on and off the pitch.

"[Jota] was one of my close friends - and I am sure that's what he would have wanted me to do," Alexander-Arnold said. "I'm sure we would have had a laugh and joke about the assist as well. He was there with me, I am sure."

Tributes from the Football World

The football community has rallied to honor Jota's memory. Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe paid tribute by indicating the number 20 after scoring a late goal, a nod to Jota's Liverpool shirt number. Similarly, Ousmane Dembele of Paris St-Germain copied Jota's FIFA gaming celebration after sealing a 2-0 win against Bayern Munich.

A Legacy Remembered

Alexander-Arnold reflected on Jota's impact both as a player and a person. "He was someone who lit up the room when he was in it," he said. "I shared the 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 the player he was."

The England international also expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support from the football world. "It's been very emotional and heartwarming to see the footballing world come together to show their love and support for [Jota], his brother, and their family," he added.

Moving Forward

As Real Madrid prepares for the semi-finals of the Club World Cup, Alexander-Arnold's tribute serves as a poignant reminder of the bonds formed in football and the resilience required to perform under the weight of personal loss.