Ex-Liverpool midfielder Thiago broke down in tears as Anfield rose to honour the late Diogo Jota.
The Spaniard lined-up for the Reds on Saturday in the annual Liverpool Legends charity match in aid of the LFC Foundation.
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Among the familiar faces lacing up their boots at Anfield against a Borussia Dortmund Legends side, was Champions League-winning captain Steven Gerrard, Ryan Babel and former skipper Sami Hyypia.
Also present was goalkeeper Pepe Reina, Peter Crouch and Dirk Kuyt.
There was also a hero’s return for former boss Jurgen Klopp who took his place alongside legendary trio Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush and John Aldridge on the Reds’ coaching team.
Thiago, who is now assistant manager to Hansi Flick at Barcelona, needed just six minutes to open the scoring after some fine link-up play with Gerrard and Babel.
Overcome by emotion
But in the most emotional moment of the afternoon, Thiago struggled to hold back his tears as players, staff, and supporters paid tribute to Diogo Jota in the 20th minute.
Jota tragically passed away last July in a car accident at the age of 28, his brother, Andre Silva, also lost his life in the same incident in Spain.
Thiago, who spent four years playing alongside Jota, was seen joining in the applause before clasping his hands to his face and overcome by emotion.
The midfielder was able to quickly compose himself before continuing his first-half masterclass in front of the Anfield faithful.
The 34-year-old retired in July 2024 after his Liverpool contract expired.
The former Spain international’s time on Merseyside may have been plagued by persistent injuries but showed fans that he hasn’t lost any of his brilliance.
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Jay Spearing went on to add a second for Liverpool, but it wasn’t enough to claim victory as Dortmund battled back to earn a 2-2 draw.
A moment to remember
After the match, an emotional Thiago told reporters that his goal will stay with him forever.
He said: “It was an unbelievable moment for sure and I’ll keep it with me.
“When I scored, Stevie [Gerrard] came and I told him it was the first sprinting I did since I arrived at Liverpool!
“Having 62,000 people was just unbelievable. We feel home every time we are here.”
And Gerrard was quick to pay his own tribute to Thiago – a player he didn’t get to play alongside during his storied Anfield career.
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“As soon as I knew Thiago was on the list, I made myself available. The respect is mutual,” Gerrard added.
“My brain still works the same speed, but my body is two or three seconds behind so a few frustrating moments, but it was still a fantastic experience.
“The legs just don’t work the same they did ten or 15 years ago.
“The last time I saw these guys was a year ago. It’s too long but we’re all doing our own stuff.
“I believe Liverpool is the best city in the world. The proof is in the pudding. When people are in need…this is your evidence.”
