The number 21 shirt worn by the late Diogo Jota for Portugal is passed to his close friend and former team-mate Ruben Neves.
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.
In their last match in June they beat Spain on penalties to win the Nations League, with Jota coming on a substitute and Neves scoring the winning penalty.
Martinez added: "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.
"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 won a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title last season with Jota wearing the number 20 shirt, which the club decided to retire after consulting with his wife Rute Cardoso and family members.
Brighton midfielder James Milner is wearing the number 20 shirt this season as a "mark of respect" to his former Liverpool team-mate.
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Category: General Sports
