Andy Robertson opens up on Diogo Jota death as Liverpool vice-captain makes leadership admission

Diogo Jota and Andy Robertson were very close friends

Andy Robertson says the "devastating" loss of Diogo Jota will be the toughest thing he and his Liverpool colleagues will ever have to go through, as the Scotland skipper opened up on the impact of the No.20's death at Anfield.

And Robertson says the decision to take the honour of vice-captaincy was not influenced by the sudden passing of his friend, but admits it has made him take on further responsibility to help lead during such a difficult period.

Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, were involved in a fatal car accident in northern Spain in early July as the Portugal international was making his way back to Merseyside for pre-season training.

On the day Jota's passing was reported, Robertson left an emotional tribute to his friend on social media, which reflected on their mutual love of other sports, while also referencing the they time spent together on the striker's wedding day, just days before his fatal car crash.

And opening up on the death of his close friend two months on, Robertson has explained what the aftermath of the horrendous news has been like for the Liverpool squad in an interview with BBC Sport while on international duty for Scotland.

Robertson

"I don't think anyone could care less about football when things like that happen,"

"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.

"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."

Robertson added: "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.

"[Jota's death] didn't influence my decision [to become vice captain]. 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. 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.

"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."

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