Diogo Jota: Ruben Neves to wear number 21 shirt for Portugal

The number 21 shirt worn by the late Diogo Jota for Portugal has been passed to his close friend and former team-mate Ruben Neves.

Liverpool forward Jota died at the age of 28 in a car crash in northern Spain in July, alongside his brother Andre Silva, 25.

Al-Hilal midfielder Neves, 28, who played alongside Jota at Wolves – as well as for their country – was one of the pallbearers at his funeral.

“The number 21 jersey will go to Ruben Neves because, that way, that number will remain on the field and with all of us,” said Portugal manager Roberto Martinez.

“He had a very close relationship with Diogo and is the ideal person to represent him.”

The Portugal team will hold their first camp without Jota next week as they prepare for World Cup qualifying games against Armenia and Hungary.