LIVERPOOL STILL HELD MY HEART

Heartache of losing Jota put life firmly into perspective for Robbo

- By Scott McDermott

IN the summer, Andy Robertson had already decided that he needed Liverpool.

After the tragic death of his Anfield teammate Diogo Jota, he then knew Liverpool needed him too.

The Scotland captain had a huge decision to make, with just a year left on his contract and the arrival of Hungarian left-back Milos Kerkez.

The 31-year-old had options to go elsewhere. The likes of Spanish giants Atletico Madrid wanted to take him.

But after discussions with his family, he knew his heart still lay on Merseyside.

If that call wasn’t emotional enough, losing his close pal Jota heightened it beyond comprehension.

Robertson attended the funeral in Portugal and says he’ll never get over the devastation of his passing.

At that moment, he knew he’d made the right decision to stay at Liverpool, irrespective of how much game time he might get.

Jota’s death put football — and life — in perspective. And as part of the club’s senior leadership group of experienced players, he wasn’t willing to leave grieving players and supporters.

As he reflected on the most difficult summer of his life, Robertson said: “It was the most difficult thing we’ll ever go through.

“It was such a surprise, such a shock.