Liverpool star Andy Robertson has made the devastating admission that he doesn't expect he and his colleagues to ever get over the death of Diogo Jota. Reds forward Jota tragically died in a car accident in July, just days after his wedding to long-term partner Rute Cardoso.
Tributes have been paid to Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who also died in the crash, from across the footballing world. Liverpool have retired their number 20 shirt in his honour, while Portugal have handed the number 21 - worn by Jota at international level - to his close friend Ruben Neves.
Robertson was very close with Jota, and spoke about the loss of his friend and colleague while away on Scotland duty. "I don't think anyone could care less about football when things like that happen," the left-back said.
"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."
Saying Jota will always be in the hearts of the Liverpool squad, he added: "It's the toughest thing we'll ever go through. 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."
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Jota was a big part of the Liverpool squad which won the Premier League under Arne Slot last season. The first game of their title defence was an emotional affair, and Federico Chiesa had words for the late forward after scoring a crucial goal in the victory over Bournemouth.
"[The goal] was a great moment for me but my thoughts go to Diogo," the Italy international said at the time. "I think for what we have seen it was his day.
"The feeling that the fans gave me, chanting his song all the way through the match. It was very emotional, very emotional for me. I have to say that after the goal my thoughts went to his family, his brother Andre. That's the only thing I could say."
At full-time in that Bournemouth game, Mohamed Salah was visibly emotional as fans continued to pay tribute to Jota. Robertson has said all members of the squad will "need help" as they come to terms with the death of their friend and team-mate, who he said will "always be in our hearts".
"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," Robertson added. "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."
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