Portugal pay touching tribute to tragic former Liverpool star Diogo Jota
Portugal are making ready for his or her first worldwide matches with out UEFA Nations League winner Diogo Jota after the Liverpool ahead died in a automobile crash in July
The Portuguese nationwide workforce have paid tribute to Diogo Jota by giving his squad quantity to the tragic ahead's shut good friend and former Wolves and Porto team-mate Ruben Neves. Jota, 28, died in a automobile crash in July alongside together with his brother Andre Silva, and Portugal are set to play their first video games with out him in September.
Liverpool have already made the choice to retire the quantity 20 in honour of the Portugal worldwide. Squad quantity guidelines in worldwide soccer meant that wasn't an possibility for the nationwide FA, however they’ve discovered one other answer relating to the 21 shirt he wore for his nation.
"The quantity 21 jersey will go to Ruben Neves as a result of, that manner, that quantity will stay on the sector and with all of us," Portugal boss Roberto Martinez mentioned. "He had a really shut relationship with Diogo and is the perfect individual to signify him."
Jota gained the UEFA Nations League closing in what would find yourself being his final look for his nation. He got here on throughout extra-time of the match towards Spain, with Martinez's aspect successful on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
Portugal face Armenia and Hungary in a World Cup qualifying double-header in September. Worldwide boss Martinez has additionally paid wider tribute to Jota, who was a well-liked determine together with his membership and worldwide team-mates.
READ MORE: Switch information LIVE: Isak to Liverpool newest, Man Utd seal £38m striker transfer, Arsenal to signal HincapieREAD MORE: Luis Diaz pays tribute to Diogo Jota as ex-Liverpool star wins first Bayern Munich trophy
"We all know what Diogo meant to every of us and the influence he had on our lives," the previous Belgium boss mentioned. "We wish to honour his reminiscence every single day. He might be with us and might be one other drive serving to us obtain our objectives. Diogo's instance is a light-weight for us.
"We’ll carry his spirit in our hearts. Diogo's absence is an element of unity, motivation and duty, as a result of Diogo wished to win the World Cup, and we’re right here to battle and obtain that dream."
Liverpool retired Jota's quantity 20 shirt after consulting with the ahead's spouse Rute Cardoso and his household. “As a membership, we have been all conscious about the sentiment of our supporters – and we felt precisely the identical manner,” Michael Edwards, CEO of soccer for Reds homeowners FSG, mentioned.
“It was vitally vital to us to contain Diogo’s spouse, Rute, and his household within the determination and to make sure they have been the primary to know of our intention. I consider that is the primary time in Liverpool Soccer Membership’s historical past that such an honour has been bestowed upon a person. Due to this fact, we are able to say it is a distinctive tribute to a uniquely great individual. By retiring this squad quantity, we’re making it everlasting – and due to this fact by no means to be forgotten.
“Diogo joined us in 2020, he gained us quantity 20, and he wore – with honour, distinction and affection – the quantity 20. So far as Liverpool Soccer Membership is worried, he might be eternally our quantity 20.”
Be a part of our new WhatsApp group and obtain your day by day dose of Mirror Soccer content material. We additionally deal with our group members to particular affords, promotions, and adverts from us and our companions. If you happen to don't like our group, you may take a look at any time you want. If you happen to're curious, you may learn our Privacy Notice.
Article continues belowSky Sports activities discounted Premier League and EFL packageThis article accommodates affiliate hyperlinks, we’ll obtain a fee on any gross sales we generate from it. Study extra
£49£35SkyGet the deal right here
Sky has slashed the value of its Important TV and Sky Sports activities bundle forward of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and providing greater than 1,400 reside matches throughout the Premier League, EFL and extra.
Sky will present no less than 215 reside Premier League video games subsequent season, a rise of as much as 100 extra.