‘Diogo Jota helped me from up there’ — Liverpool opening day hero confesses after unlikely winning goal

Federico Chiesa marked his first Premier League goal for Liverpool in emotional fashion, dedicating it to the late Diogo Jota after inspiring the Reds to a 4-2 win over Bournemouth.

The Italian forward came off the bench to make the difference on a night filled with both footballing drama and heartfelt tributes.

The opening day clash at Anfield carried extra weight, being the first Premier League game since the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother in a car crash.

Jota’s iconic No. 20 shirt was retired in his honour, and Chiesa revealed that his goal in the 3-2 moment felt like a sign from above.

“My first thought after the goal was for Diogo, his brother and their family,” Chiesa told Sky Sport Italia. “It was such a touching evening, so finishing the game like that was very emotional. Diogo helped me from up there, pushing the ball over the line. That’s how I want to believe it went.”

The forward’s strike came just minutes after being subbed on by Arne Slot, swinging momentum back Liverpool’s way before Mohamed Salah sealed the victory.

Chiesa had endured a difficult first season at Anfield, struggling with form, fitness, and adapting to the Premier League tempo. Yet he stressed that his breakthrough moment is down to his coach’s belief.

“I play wherever the coach puts me. I arrived here and had a lot of difficulty, because the tempo is just so different, but after a year I finally got my first Premier League goal. The coach gave me a chance and always had words of encouragement for me,” Chiesa said.

Looking ahead, speculation has linked him with a possible Serie A return, but the 26-year-old made his feelings clear. “We will talk to Liverpool, but to be perfectly honest, I am happy here.

I am playing for one of the best teams in the world. I just have to wait and be ready, as I was tonight, and prove that I can play for this team. I repeat, the coach has treated me very well in these months.”