Alexander-Arnold plays with heavy heart after losing friend Diogo Jota

Trent Alexander-Arnold admitted struggling to play in the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in New Jersey — days after the tragic death of his friend Diogo Jota.

The former Liverpool teammate died in a car accident with his brother André Silva early Thursday morning. The funeral was attended by several Liverpool and Portugal national team players, including Rúben Neves and João Cancelo who had just played for Al Hilal.

“I want to send my condolences and prayers to my close friend. Five years sharing a dressing room with him, and he will never be forgotten by anyone,” Alexander-Arnold told DAZN.

“However, I still had a job to do today. I had to perform and help the team win, no matter how difficult the circumstances were,” he added.

Alexander-Arnold mentioned that support from the football world has warmed his heart during these difficult times — especially seeing how the football community united to show love and support for Jota’s family.