Lisbon, Sep 3 (AP) Portugal’s national team is set to honor the memory of their late teammate, Diogo Jota, during the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Midfielder Ruben Neves will don the No. 21 jersey, previously worn by Jota, and has commemorated his friend with a tattoo on his left calf. This gesture pays tribute to the former Liverpool striker who passed away in July.

At a poignant ceremony held at Portugal’s training base in preparation for their matches against Armenia and Hungary, Neves expressed the team’s commitment to keep Jota’s spirit alive. “I and the entire national team will do everything we can to keep Diogo here with us, on our team,” he stated late Tuesday. The upcoming games mark Portugal’s first since the tragic loss of both Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, in a car accident on July 3.

Neves, currently playing for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, shared a close bond with Jota. The pair not only represented Portugal together but also were teammates at Wolverhampton in England. Neves served as the squad’s spokesperson, delivering heartfelt words about Jota. The ceremony was attended by football luminary Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and the newly appointed Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro.

The Portuguese Football Federation shared a video on platform X, showcasing Neves’ tattoo depicting him and Jota embracing, with Jota adorned in the No. 21 jersey.

The ceremony also honored Jorge Costa, a former Portugal international who unexpectedly passed away last month due to cardiac arrest. Pedro Proença, head of Portugal’s Football Federation, paid tribute to Jota and Costa, describing them as passionate football advocates and devoted patriots, deeply committed to representing Portugal’s national colors with bravery and dedication.

Both Jota and Costa were posthumously awarded the title of Commanders of the Order of Merit, a fitting recognition for their contributions. The medals of honor were graciously accepted by their respective families. The federation also declared the team line-up as comprising “23 (+1)” players, a heartfelt homage to Jota’s enduring memory. (AP) DDV

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