Portugal pay touching tribute to tragic former Liverpool star Diogo Jota

The Portuguese national team have paid tribute to Diogo Jota by giving his squad number to the tragic forward's close friend and former Wolves and Porto team-mate Ruben Neves. Jota, 28, died in a car crash in July along with his brother Andre Silva, and Portugal are set to play their first games without him in September.

Liverpool have already made the decision to retire the number 20 in honour of the Portugal international. Squad number rules in international football meant that wasn't an option for the national FA, but they have found another solution when it comes to the 21 shirt he wore for his country.

"The number 21 jersey will go to Ruben Neves because, that way, that number will remain on the field and with all of us," Portugal boss Roberto Martinez said. "He had a very close relationship with Diogo and is the ideal person to represent him."

Jota won the UEFA Nations League final in what would end up being his last appearance for his country. He came on during extra-time of the match against Spain, with Martinez's side winning on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

Portugal face Armenia and Hungary in a World Cup qualifying double-header in September. International boss Martinez has also paid wider tribute to Jota, who was a popular figure with his club and international team-mates.

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"We know what Diogo meant to each of us and the impact he had on our lives," the former Belgium boss said. "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 is a light 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."

Liverpool retired Jota's number 20 shirt after consulting with the forward's wife Rute Cardoso and his family. “As a club, we were all acutely aware of the sentiment of our supporters – and we felt exactly the same way,” Michael Edwards, CEO of football for Reds owners FSG, said.

“It was vitally important to us to involve Diogo’s wife, Rute, and his family in the decision and to ensure they were the first to know of our intention. I believe this is the first time in Liverpool Football Club’s history that such an honour has been bestowed upon an individual. Therefore, we can say this is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person. By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal – and therefore never to be forgotten.

“Diogo joined us in 2020, he won us number 20, and he wore – with honour, distinction and affection – the number 20. As far as Liverpool Football Club is concerned, he will be forever our number 20.”

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