Diogo Jota Chants from Liverpool Fans Inspired Chiesa as Liverpool Sealed 4-2 Win

Chiesa Draws Inspiration from Jota Tributes in Liverpool’s 4-2 Thriller Over Bournemouth

Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa revealed the emotional boost he felt from the Anfield crowd as he helped the Reds secure a thrilling 4-2 victory over Bournemouth in their Premier League opener.

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The Italian international netted a crucial goal late in the match, but he insisted his thoughts were with the family of Diogo Jota’s late brother, André Silva.

"[The goal] was a great moment for me, but my thoughts go to Diogo," Chiesa told BBC Sport. "I think for what we have seen, it was his day. The feeling that the fans gave me, chanting his song all the way through the match.

"It was very emotional, very emotional for me. I have to say that after the goal, my thoughts went to his family, and his brother Andre. That's the only thing I could say."

Despite the emotional weight, Chiesa kept his focus on the team’s performance. "At the end of the day we have to focus on the football. We wanted to win today. It was a difficult match, we went 2-0 up and then they came back, but we showed why we are champions.

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"Of course Diogo would have helped us a lot, but unfortunately, he was somewhere else, and he helped us in another way."

The match tested Liverpool’s resolve as Bournemouth fought back to level the score after trailing by two goals. Chiesa’s first Premier League goal, which he described with pride, gave Liverpool the lead once more before Mohamed Salah wrapped up the victory.

"Unfortunately, one of the goals didn't count because it was at Wembley and we lost, but today it was the 3-2 goal," Chiesa explained when asked about his first Liverpool goal.

"I helped my team to get an edge in a very difficult game, and then at the end we scored 4-2. As I am concerned, all the Premier League games are tough until the end. You never know. We have to continue like this."

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Reflecting on the milestone, Chiesa added with a smile, "It took me one year to score in the Premier League, but as we say in Italian: Better late than never." His performance, lifted by the chants in memory of Jota, underlined the emotional and competitive spirit that propelled Liverpool to begin their title defence with a win.