Andy Robertson admits he and Liverpool team-mates will 'never get over' tragic death of Diogo Jota

Jota's untimely death sent shockwaves through football, robbing the game of one of its brightest talents and leaving both Liverpool and Portugal in mourning. Robertson, visibly moved when speaking about Jota’s passing, made it clear that football instantly became irrelevant.

"I don't think anyone could care less about football when things like that happen," said Scotland captain Robertson.

"Such a shock. Devastating for his family first and foremost but obviously devastating for us as a group of lads. It puts life into perspective as to what's important - spending time with your family, spending time with your kids, because you never know what's around the corner."

Even before Jota’s death, Robertson had decided to remain at Anfield. But the tragedy, he explained, only deepened his sense of duty to help his teammates cope.

"It's the toughest thing we'll ever go through," he added. "Losing one of your closest mates for me was hugely difficult and it's something we'll probably never get over but it's just something that we have to carry with us. We have to carry the memories we've got with us and as long as we continue to do that, then it'll always be in our thoughts. He will always be in our hearts.

"It didn't influence my decision. The decision was already made before the tragedy but I knew in that moment that the club needed me. I know I am one of the leaders in the team and I have obviously been made vice-captain now."

Robertson stressed that guiding the squad through grief will require strength, patience and compassion. 

"It's going to take a lot this season. I know football was irrelevant but if you take the football out of it, even as lads in the changing room, we are all going to need help during the season," he said.

"We've already had difficult moments in terms of the first time in front of fans, having to go to your team-mate's funeral which is absolute madness to even say, and everything else that followed. I know the leaders in that changing room have got a big job to do in terms of trying to help everyone as a club and even Diogo's family through this massively difficult moment. It won't get easier but maybe we can numb the pain a little bit as time goes on. It's up to as leaders to try and guide us guide us through that."

Jota’s time at Anfield may have been cruelly cut short, but his impact was undeniable. Signed for £41 million from Wolves in 2020, the forward lit up the Premier League with his sharp movement and clinical finishing. In just 182 appearances, he netted 65 goals, including six crucial strikes last season that helped Arne Slot’s side secure the Premier League crown. He also added an FA Cup, Community Shield, and two Carabao Cups to his honours.

Internationally, he earned 49 caps for Portugal and had only recently starred in their UEFA Nations League final victory over Spain.

Liverpool now face the daunting challenge of continuing their season while still in mourning. Robertson will meanwhile lead Scotland against Denmark in a crucial World Cup qualifier on Friday, carrying the emotions of a man who knows life and football will never quite be the same again.