The Portuguese national team announced the new roster of players, and Riyadh Crescent midfielder Ruben Neves was selected and wore Jota's No. 21 jersey. Portugal's national team coach Martinez explained the reason for the move. At the press...
The Portuguese national team announced the new roster of players, and Riyadh Crescent midfielder Ruben Neves was selected and wore Jota's No. 21 jersey. Portugal's national team coach Martinez explained the reason for the move.
At the press conference, Portugal national team coach Robert Martinez said: "This matter should be explained by him. He and Jota are very close, and this is a decision made by Jota's family."
Jota said during his lifetime that his best friend was Ruben Neves. The two met the Portuguese National Olympic Team (the first time they played together in 2016) and were also teammates when they were in the U21 echelon. The two met in Porto in the 16/17 season, and in the 17/18 season, they went to the Championship Wolves to play football together. They were both the main players of Wolves and the team to advance to the Super League, and then fought together in the Premier League for two years. With Jota's transfer to Liverpool, the two ended their club friendship, but remained teammates in the national team.
After Jota died in an accident in July this year, Neves flew back to Portugal only 11 hours after playing the Club World Cup to attend the funeral of his close friend Jota.
Jota's teammate who played the most in his career is Neves, with a total of 164 games. The few behind are Liverpool teammates: Salah, Allison, Arnold, Van Dijk, etc.
