Andy Robertson Reflects on Loss of Diogo Jota
Andy Robertson expressed that he and his Liverpool teammates will "probably never get over" the tragic death of Diogo Jota.
The 28-year-old Liverpool and Portugal forward, along with his brother Andre Silva, lost their lives in a car accident in July.
In a heartfelt statement, Scotland captain Robertson remarked, "I don’t think anyone could care less about football when things like that happen. It’s such a shock. It’s devastating for his family first and foremost, but obviously devastating for us as a group of lads."
He emphasized the importance of perspective in such difficult times, stating, "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."
With his position as a starter uncertain, left-back Robertson had decided to remain at Anfield prior to Jota’s passing. He felt a strong sense of responsibility to support his teammates as an experienced member of the squad.
"It’s the toughest thing we’ll ever go through," he continued. "Losing one of your closest mates was hugely difficult for me, 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."
Robertson clarified that his decision to stay was made prior to the tragedy, yet he recognized that the club needed him. "I know I am one of the leaders in the team and I have obviously been made vice-captain now," he mentioned.
He acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, "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."
Robertson reflected on the emotional toll of recent events, saying, "We’ve already had difficult moments in terms of the first time in front of fans, having to attend your teammate’s funeral, which is absolute madness to even say, and everything else that followed."
He concluded by recognizing the significant role of the team leaders during this challenging time: "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 us as leaders to try and guide us through that."