Portugal have confirmed that Ruben Neves will wear the number 21 shirt once worn by his late close friend and former team-mate, Diogo Jota.
Naija News reports that Diogo Jota, who played for Liverpool, tragically lost his life in July at the age of 28 following a car crash in northern Spain that also claimed the life of his younger brother, André Silva, 25.
Neves, 28, who currently plays for Al-Hilal, shared a deep bond with Jota both at Wolves and in the national team. He was one of the pallbearers at Jota’s funeral.
Explaining the decision, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez said: “The number 21 jersey will go to Ruben Neves because, that way, that number will remain on the field and with all of us. He had a very close relationship with Diogo and is the ideal person to represent him.”
Portugal will gather for their first training camp without Jota next week as they prepare for World Cup qualifying games against Armenia and Hungary.
It marks the beginning of a new chapter for Martinez’s side, who just three months ago lifted the Nations League trophy after a penalty shootout victory over Spain, a match in which Jota came off the bench and Neves scored the decisive spot-kick.
Martinez paid tribute to Jota’s enduring influence on the team, saying: “We know what Diogo meant to each of us and the impact he had on our lives. We want to honour his memory every day. He will be with us and will be another force helping us achieve our goals. Diogo’s example serves as a beacon for us. We will carry his spirit in our hearts.
“Diogo’s absence is a factor of unity, motivation and responsibility, because Diogo wanted to win the World Cup, and we are here to fight and achieve that dream.”
At the club level, Liverpool also moved to commemorate their former forward. Jota wore the number 20 shirt during his time at Anfield, and after consulting with his wife, Rute Cardoso, and his family, the club chose to retire the number in his honour.
Brighton midfielder James Milner, who previously played alongside Jota at Liverpool, is wearing the number 20 shirt this season as a symbolic gesture and “mark of respect” to his late team-mate.
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