(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Portugal Honours Late Diogo Jota by Passing Jersey Number to Ruben Neves
Portugal’s national team has paid tribute to the late Diogo Jota by passing his number 21 jersey to close friend and former teammate Ruben Neves, following the forward’s tragic death in a car accident last month.
Neves, currently a midfielder at Saudi club Al-Hilal, was a pallbearer at Jota’s funeral. Jota, a Liverpool forward, tragically died at age 28 alongside his younger brother Andre Silva in northwestern Spain when their Lamborghini veered off the road and caught fire.
The two players were teammates at Wolverhampton Wanderers before moving on to other clubs. National team coach Roberto Martinez said, “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. Diogo’s example is a light for us, and we will carry his spirit in our hearts.”
Martinez added, “Diogo’s absence inspires unity, motivation, and responsibility. He wanted to win the World Cup, and we are here to fight for that dream. The number 21 jersey will go to Ruben Neves, as he had a very close relationship with Diogo and is the ideal person to represent him.”
Tributes continue to pour in for Jota. Liverpool retired the number 20 shirt he wore at the club, while Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder James Milner, a former teammate, will wear the number 20 jersey this season.
