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Jordan Henderson had his former Liverpool teammates in mind as he paid tribute to Diogo Jota after scoring his first goal for Brentford at the weekend.
Having joined the Bees from Ajax during the summer, former Reds captain Henderson grabbed his first goal for the club in the 1-1 draw with Leeds on Sunday, and dedicated it to Jota as he replicated his former teammate’s iconic gaming celebration.
Henderson had been close friends with Jota, with the pair having been teammates for three years at Anfield before the former’s departure for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in the summer of 2023.
The 35-year-old paid an emotional tribute to Jota following his death in a car crash alongside his brother Andre Silva in July, with the former Liverpool captain laying flowers at the memorial site at Anfield.
Henderson also joined some of his former teammates at Jota’s funeral in Portugal, and it’s clear to see the bond he still has with those at Anfield as he reflected on his first goal for Brentford.
“It was his birthday recently,” Henderson told Sky Sports. “We’ll never forget him. We will always remember him. I can only imagine what the lads at Liverpool are going through.
“He was a good friend. I don’t score many goals, so when I did, I always thought that I would dedicate it to him.”
Henderson paid tribute to Jota on Instagram following his passing in a post that remains pinned on the former Liverpool captain’s account, detailing their friendship.
“Jots it was a pleasure to share a pitch with you but more importantly a friendship,” Henderson wrote.
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“All the laughs we had off the pitch and trying to find ways to wind milly [James Milner] up and get him fined, which we never could. Taking pictures of me asleep on the bus travelling then sending them to me later.
“You always wanted to have a laugh and were a pleasure to be around. I know how much Rute and your family meant to you and I know you will always be looking down on them. Thank you for everything you brought into this world, we will all miss you.
“Rest in peace along with your brother Andre. Love ya mate. YNWA.”
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