'In bits' Robertson reaches World Cup with Diogo Jota on his mind

If anyone is ever in doubt about the effect that the death of Diogo Jota has had on Liverpool’s players then they just need to watch Andy Robertson’s post-game interview following Scotland’s qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Only moments after captaining the Tartan Army to a dramatic automatic qualification place on Tuesday, the 31-year-old faced the BBC microphones.

His mind didn’t linger on the game that had just passed - nor the World Cup in North America next summer - but on his fallen teammate.

Robertson was known to be close to Jota, who died in July aged only 28. The striker’s passing has left a mark on everyone associated with Liverpool - and the club have had grief counsellors on hand for those who need help processing their grief.

And Robertson delivered an emotional speech - reflecting on the pair’s shared dreams of representing their countries at the World Cup.

Robertson lives out World Cup dream

Jota had not made his Portugal debut in time for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The striker was well-established in the squad by 2022 but missed out on the Qatar tournament due to injury.

Having won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and again last summer, surely Jota felt his time on the global stage would come in 2026.

And Robertson - who has been in the Scotland setup since 2014 - has endured unsuccessful qualification campaigns for 2018 and most heartbreakingly for 2022. He might be forgiven for thinking that his time would never come.

But against all the odds the Scots triumphed - winning 4-2 against Denmark at Hampden Park in a game which was always going to require all three points.

Jota 'smiling' over Robbo

“I think I have hid it well but today I have been in bits,” he said to Kelly Cates.

“I know that the age I am at this would be my last chance of a World Cup.

“I couldn’t get my mate Diogo Jota out of my head today. We spoke so much and together about the World Cup. He missed out on Qatar and I missed out because Scotland never went and we always discussed what it would be like going to this World Cup.

“I know he will be somewhere smiling over me tonight. I just couldn’t get him out of my head the whole day. I was in a bit of trouble in my room earlier. I think I hid it so well for the boys. I am so glad it ended this way.”

Robertson has fulfilled his dream - and done it against the most challenging of circumstances. He’s had to cope with the death of his friend - and on a more prosaic level compared to that devastating loss - he has had to deal with a crisis at his club too.

Robertson's thoughts turn to 2026

There is no doubt that Robbo showed signs of slowing down last season - with the occasional own goal, red card and penalty concession plunging his future in doubt.

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes opted to sign £40m left-back Milos Kerkez to replace the long-serving Scot. Robertson could have gone to Atletico Madrid with Diego Simeone admiring his leadership qualities and experience for a problem position.

And with only one year left on his contract at Anfield, he might have been tempted by adding more security to his future. But he wasn’t done. He declined the opportunity and focussed on winning his place back.

He has done so - winning over Arne Slot with his performances in the last couple of months. Liverpool are still a long way short of their best but Robertson conquered his personal goal early in the season.

And now Liverpool’s No26 can concentrate on 2026. That’s when his contract ends and when he will lead Scotland out in North America.

Robertson - who has won two Premier League titles and a Champions League as a Reds - might well count getting back into the Liverpool team and qualifying Scotland to the World Cup as every bit as important.

It’s poignant that he won’t get to share that moment next summer with his great mate Jota - but no doubt he will rise to the challenge and do him proud.

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