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Trent Alexander-Arnold is among the Liverpool players past and present to have shown their support to Jordan Henderson after his tribute to Diogo Jota on Sunday.
Former Reds captain Henderson scored his first goal since joining Brentford in the summer during the Bees’ 1-1 draw with Leeds United at the weekend, and he duly took the opportunity to remember Jota.
The England international recreated Jota’s iconic gaming celebration, which he memorably produced after scoring a late winner for the Reds against Tottenham in 2023. It’s a celebration that has been used by a number of players following his death earlier this year in a car accident in Spain.
Henderson had been close friends with Jota, with the 35-year-old paying an emotional tribute and laying flowers at the memorial site at Anfield in the summer.
“It was his birthday recently,” Henderson told Sky Sports after Sunday’s game. “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.”
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Henderson also posted a picture of himself performing the celebration onto his Instagram account, along with the caption “Forever 20”, referencing Jota’s shirt number at Anfield, which has been retired following his passing.
The post has garnered plenty of reaction from some of Henderson’s current and former teammates, including Alexander-Arnold.
The now-Real Madrid star replied with two love heart emojis. The former Liverpool right-back recently paid his own tribute to Jota upon his return to Anfield with his new side last month, having joined Xabi Alonso and Dean Huijsen in laying a floral tribute at the memorial site.
In a note attached to the wreath, Alexander-Arnold wrote: “My mate Diogo, you are so missed but still so loved. Yours and Andre’s memory will always live on.
“I smile everytime I think about you and will always remember the great times we shared. Miss you mate, every day. Love, Trent and family. Forever 20 YNWA.”
As well as Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones and Caoimhin Kelleher were among the other players to show Henderson some love for his tribute to Jota - the latter now plays alongside Henderson at Brentford after leaving Liverpool during the summer.
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