Trent Alexander-Arnold said returning to Anfield after his transfer to Real Madrid helped bring closure following the death of former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota.
Portugal forward Jota was killed along with his brother André Silva in July 2025 in a car crash in Spain.
Alexander-Arnold, who was in the United States at the time for the Club World Cup, told the Sunday Mirror: "I think that's what was difficult... Going through it on your own. Everybody else who had known him for that amount of time were all grouped together.
"It was difficult, and then having to continue to play games and them being so far away was hard. But coming back to Anfield and being able to go to the stadium and put some flowers down really helped me get that closure."
Alexander-Arnold and Jota spent five seasons together at Liverpool before the England right-back joined Real Madrid in 2025.
The 27-year-old added that he and Jota spoke "every day" and recalled the pair's competitive streak as they both recovered from injury.
"I was injured a couple of times when he was and we were doing our training to get back fit together, and we were both very competitive," he said.
"We would always, you know, have different competitions between ourselves. Those are the kind of memories that I'll hold close to me.
"He was just a really good guy. Like he was very honest. That's one of the best attributes that anybody can have. He was hardworking. He loved what he did, and was a massive family man. "
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The club has continued to honour Jota's memory.
In July, Liverpool installed a permanent Anfield memorial to Jota and his brother on the eve of the first anniversary of their death.
The sculpture, named Forever 20, was created by renowned sculptor Emma Rodgers and at its centre is a flowing heart sculpture, an acknowledgement of the forward's goal celebration.
"'Forever 20' will serve as a permanent symbol of love, unity and remembrance, and a place where everyone can reflect, remember and pay their respects," said a statement from Liverpool.