Chiesa: ‘Very happy at Liverpool, Diogo Jota helped me score first goal’ | OneFootball

Italy international Federico Chiesa insists he is ‘happy’ at Liverpool and thanks Arne Slot for his ‘words of encouragement,’ while naturally his first Premier League goal was dedicated to Diogo Jota.

The forward was expected to move on this summer after a difficult first season, where he struggled for playing time, form, and fitness.

He came off the bench this evening with his team drawing 2-2 against Bournemouth and volleyed in to restore their 3-2 lead, followed by Mo Salah sealing the 4-2 victory.

Chiesa dedicated goal to Diogo Jota

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 15: Federico Chiesa of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield on August 15, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

“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.”

Diogo Jota and his brother died in a car crash just days after Liverpool’s Premier League title celebrations, and as a result his Number 20 jersey was retired.

This was the first Premier League match since that tragedy and there were numerous tributes to them.

Federico Chiesa and Liverpool teammates in training ahead of Premier League fixture against Southampton. (picture via www.liverpoolfc.com)

As for the game itself, Chiesa was glad that Slot looked to him to come off the bench this evening when the Reds needed a goal.

“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.”

Does this goal mean that Chiesa might not be leaving Liverpool for a return to Serie A after all?

“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.”