The Argentina international wrote in The Players’ Tribune on Thursday about Liverpool’s triumph last term, before providing a touching tribute to Jota and his brother.
He said: “Obviously, and with great emotion, I want to dedicate this paragraph to Diogo. I still can’t understand how he left us so early. I always had a good relationship with him, but this past year even more so.
“He was always a very down-to-earth, family-oriented person, and never tried to pretend to be something he wasn’t. One day he would come and give you the hug of a lifetime, and the next day he wouldn’t even say hello, hahaha.
“We loved to ‘take the p***,’ and we always found a way, whether it was our Messi vs Cristiano arguments, or just playing cards. It was part of the game. I will always choose to remember him with a smile.
“And I know that with that smile, he’ll be supporting us from above. If you don’t believe that, then just look at the minute Jeremie Frimpong scored in the Community Shield. The 20th. These are signs.”
On Sunday, in what marked the team’s first competitive fixture since news of Jota’s devastating accident caused shockwaves around the world, new arrival Frimpong netted an extraordinary goal in the 20th minute, just as supporters were applauding in honour of their former striker and No. 20.
Mac Allister continued: “I’d like to take this opportunity to send my warmest regards to his family, whom we must never forget, as they are the ones who are suffering the most from the tragic passing of him and his brother André. My respect and love to all of them.”
Jota’s widow, Rute Cardoso, along with their three young children are expected to be present for Friday’s season opener at Anfield. Liverpool boss Arne Slot said in his programme notes ahead of the match: “As I have said previously, the tributes that have been paid throughout the football world, and especially within the LFC community, have been truly special, and I know that tonight we will come together to honour them once more.
“I believe that Diogo’s wife, his children and his family will be in attendance and it is important that, as a club, we show that they will always have our love and support as they deal with this most tragic of situations. We are there for them always.”