Diogo Jota death: Liverpool stalwart admits Reds will "probably never get over" loss of number 20

Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson has admitted he and his team-mates will “probably never get over” the death of forward Diogo Jota.

The Portugal international was killed in a car crash in July along with his brother, Andre Silva, in what Robertson described as a moment that changed the entire dressing room.

Speaking as vice-captain, Robertson explained that the tragedy put life into perspective for everyone connected to the club, while noting how difficult it is to handle.

“It is the toughest thing we will ever go through,” Robertson told a press conference. “Losing one of your closest mates for me was hugely difficult and it is something we will probably never get over but it is just something that we have to carry with us.”

Jota's Liverpool and Portugal legacy analysed after tragic death

Jota’s death in early July stunned the football world and left Liverpool in mourning just weeks before the start of the new campaign, as the forward and his brother lost their lives in a fatal car crash, cutting short the career of a player who had become a key figure for club and country.

At just 28, Jota was entering the prime of his career as a forward, having already lifted four domestic titles with Liverpool, the most recent being the Premier League last season.

He also represented Portugal at the highest level, helping the country to two UEFA Nations League trophies and amassing 26 goal contributions from 49 senior appearances, 14 of his own and 12 assists.

The tragedy resonated across the Premier League, where rival clubs and players paid tribute, while supporters from across the football spectrum united in grief, holding vigils and displaying banners in his memory.

Liverpool’s posthumous Jota gesture and Premier League title defence bid

The emotional resilience of Liverpool has been tested since the loss of a close teammate, yet Arne Slot’s men have begun the season in strong fashion as they look to defend the title Jota helped them win last term.

The Reds have honoured the late forward in several ways, most notably retiring the number 20 shirt as a posthumous tribute, while supporters have also launched the ‘Do it for Jota’ campaign, a rallying cry to help motivate the squad in their title defence bid.

A record-breaking summer window brought several big-money arrivals to Anfield, and the squad already appears stronger for it as early signs have been encouraging; the team boast a perfect record after three league outings.

Following the international break, Slot’s side will continue their campaign with a trip to Burnley, with leaders such as Robertson and captain Virgil van Dijk poised to play a crucial role in steering the group through what is both an emotional and determined pursuit of another championship.