Diogo Jota's Number 21 Jersey Transferred to Ruben Neves
The number 21 shirt worn by the late Diogo Jota for the Portugal national team has been passed to his close friend and former teammate, Ruben Neves.
Jota, a forward for Liverpool, tragically passed away at the age of 28 in a car accident in northern Spain in July, alongside his brother, Andre Silva, who was 25.
Neves, 28, currently playing for Al-Hilal, shared the pitch with Jota at Wolverhampton Wanderers and represented Portugal together. He was also one of the pallbearers at Jota's funeral.
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez stated, "The number 21 jersey will go to Ruben Neves because, in this 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."
The Portugal team is set to hold their first training camp without Jota next week as they prepare for World Cup qualifying matches against Armenia and Hungary.
In their last match in June, Portugal defeated Spain on penalties to clinch the Nations League title, with Jota coming on as a substitute and Neves scoring the decisive penalty.
Martinez further remarked, "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 is a light for us. We will carry his spirit in our hearts."
Martinez added, "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."
Last season, Liverpool secured a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title with Jota wearing the number 20 shirt, which the club decided to retire after consulting with his wife, Rute Cardoso, and family members.
In a gesture of respect for his former Liverpool teammate, Brighton midfielder James Milner is wearing the number 20 shirt this season.