Trent Alexander-Arnold pays emotional tribute to Diogo Jota ahead of Club World Cup semi-final

Trent Alexander-Arnold dedicated his FIFA Club World Cup performances to Diogo Jota after helping Real Madrid reach the semi-finals.

Liverpool striker Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, were laid to rest on Saturday, having been killed in the early hours of last Thursday morning after being involved in a car accident in Spain.

Alexander-Arnold played alongside Jota for five years at Anfield, helping Liverpool win the Premier League, League Cup and FA Cup.

Alexander-Arnold has been featuring for Real Madrid at the Club World Cup and assisted Fran Garcia's goal in their 3-2 win against Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-final in New Jersey on Saturday.

He said the news of Jota's death had been "extremely difficult" to take in, telling DAZN after the Dortmund victory: "I had to try to perform for the team and help them win the game, no matter how difficult it was.

"As hard as it was to do it, I had to push myself to focus on what my job and role was. I tried to do it as best as I could, but it was difficult and I am not going to lie about that.

"[Jota] was one of my close friends - and I am sure that's what he would have wanted me to do. I'm sure we would have had a laugh and joke about the assist as well. He was there with me, I am sure."

Alexander-Arnold said the Portuguese forward was "someone who lit up the room when he was in it".

"I shared the dressing room with him for five years - amazing memories on and off the pitch," he added.

"It goes without saying he will never be forgotten by anyone. He will live long in all our memories for the amazing man and the player he was."

Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund | FIFA Club World Cup Highlights

Alexander-Arnold said it had been "very emotional and heartwarming to see the footballing world come together to show their love and support for [Jota], his brother and their family".

The England international added: "I've been around him, his brother, his family, his amazing wife, his amazing parents and his amazing children. It's truly, truly heartbreaking to wake up to news like that. It's something you never expect."

Now Alexander-Arnold is readying himself to face PSG on Wednesday after the French side progressed to the semi-finals against Bayern Munich in their quarter-final 2-0 victory at the weekend.

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