Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson paid tribute to the late Diogo Jota after scoring his first Premier League goal in four years against Leeds United on Sunday evening.
Henderson, 35, opened the scoring against the Whites at the Gtech Community Stadium, sweeping home via a deflection for his first Bees goal.
The former Liverpool captain raced away with joy before celebrating with his team-mates. Moments later, he proceeded to perform Jota’s famous video game celebration.
Jota, who played alongside Henderson for three years at Liverpool, tragically died at the age of 28 alongside his brother Andre Silva, 25, after a car crash in northern Spain in July.
He had married his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso, just 11 days before the incident, which took place while he was driving back to the UK for pre-season.
The goal was Henderson’s first in the Premier League since scoring for Liverpool away at rivals Everton in December 2021, a game in which Jota also found the back of the net.
Jordan Henderson performed the late Diogo Jota’s trademark celebration after his goal on Sunday
The Brentford midfielder netted his first Premier League goal in four years after netting in a 1-1 draw against Leeds United
Former Liverpool captain Henderson and Jota were team-mates at the Reds for three years
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Henderson said: ‘It was his [Jota’s] birthday recently, we’ll never forget him.
‘We always remember him forever really. i can only imagine what the lads at liverpool are going through.
‘He was a good friend. I dont score many goals so I thought when I did I would dedicate it to him.’
Upon learning of Jota’s passing in July, Henderson travelled up to Anfield to lay flowers in honour of his former friend and team-mate.
The midfielder also paid a touching tribute to the late forward on Instagram.
Henderson said at the time: ‘It was a pleasure to share a pitch with you but more importantly a friendship. All the laughs we had off the pitch and trying to find ways to wind [James Milner] up and get him fined, which we never could.
‘Taking pictures of me asleep on the bus travelling then sending them to me later. You always wanted to have a laugh and were a pleasure to be around.
‘I know how much Rute and your family meant to you and I know you will always be looking down on them. Thank you for everything you brought into this world, we will all miss you.
‘Rest in peace along with your brother Andre. Love ya mate. [You’ll Never Walk Alone].’
Leeds went onto equalise eight minutes from time, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring for the fourth consecutive Premier League game via his head.