Emotional Federico Chiesa thanks Diogo Jota for 'helping' him score crucial Liverpool goal

Emotional Federico Chiesa thanks Diogo Jota for 'helping' him score crucial Liverpool goal

Federico Chiesa came off the bench to fire home at the Kop end as the reigning champions rallied to secure a 4-2 win over Bournemouth on the opening night of the season

Federico Chiesa sparked jubilant scenes on the Kop (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

An emotional Federico Chiesa felt his crucial late goal in Liverpool's opening night win over Bournemouth was meant to be - because he had Diogo Jota by his side.

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On an Anfield evening which began with tributes to Jota and his brother Andre Silva, Chiesa came off the bench to score his first Premier League goal at the Kop end just as it looked as though the Reds had thrown away two points against the Cherries, who came from two goals down to level matters thanks to a brilliant brace from Antoine Semenyo.

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But the Italian - who has been tipped by many to leave Anfield this summer after making just 14 appearances last season - then fired home a volley in the 88th minute, before Mo Salah wrapped up the 4-2 win in added time.

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“Above all, at Anfield it seems like in the second half when you attack towards the Kop, it feels like the ball wants to go inside the net," said Chiesa, who remains a fan favourite with Reds supporters despite his lack of action, with his song regularly sung on the Kop.

“And today, I want to think that we had also the help of Diogo and his brother up there.”

Chiesa added that the memory of Jota will inspire the reigning champions as they bid to defend their crown.

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“It was really emotional today and after I scored, my thoughts went to Diogo, to Andre, to his family who were here today. It was really emotional. The goal was for him," he added.

Liverpool fans paid tribute to Jota and Andre Silva at Anfield (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

“In my mind, I think that Diogo was somewhere in here helping me to score this goal. I’d like to think like that. He’s always with us, he’s going to be with us.

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“It was tough today but there was a great atmosphere, the fans were amazing throughout the game. Also, I’m really grateful for the song they’re singing. Really, really emotional.”

Reds boss Arne Slot insists Chiesa does still have a future at Anfield despite being linked with several clubs in Italy.

"As long as he is here it [his future] is definitely at Liverpool and I have no reason to believe it is going to change," said Slot.

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"The fans sung for him so many times last season and it is very nice for him to give them something in return."

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