Chelsea star Pedro Neto has shared a deeply moving tribute to his former teammate, Diogo Jota, following the tragic passing of Jota and his brother, Andre Silva. The football world continues to mourn the loss, and Neto's words offer a poignant glimpse into the bond they shared.
A Friendship Forged in Football
Neto recalled his early days in England, emphasizing the crucial role Jota played in helping him adjust to a new country and a new league. "Diogo immediately stood out to me when I came to England. I was very young and arriving in a new country, and he was one of the key players at Wolves. But he helped me and my family a lot, and I learned so much from him about life and football."
He highlighted the strong connection within the Portuguese players' group at Wolves, which included Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho, Ruben Vinagre, and Rui Patricio. "We were so close and spent a lot of time together off the pitch. We are still in contact now and these guys, and the memories I have, will stay with me for the rest of my life. It’s why it’s so tough to now be without Diogo."
A Warrior's Spirit Remembered
Neto described Jota as a "warrior" who was always ready to fight for his teammates. "He was a warrior, a guy who would always be ready to fight for you. Yet he had this big smile and his laugh…it is one of the things that I will always remember."
Playing Through the Pain
Despite the immense grief, Neto felt compelled to play in Chelsea's Club World Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain. He believes Jota would have wanted him to. "When I heard the news, I spoke with the coach and everyone was very supportive. We had the game against Palmeiras and it didn’t make sense for me not to play. With the personality Diogo had – something else that will always stay with me – I think he would’ve wanted us to play."
Neto dedicated his performance in the final to Jota, vowing to be a "warrior" for him. "I have this feeling that Diogo is still protecting everyone who was close to him. It’s why I want to be a warrior for him. Sunday is no different."
A Final Dedicated to a Friend
Neto emphasized his determination to win the Club World Cup for Diogo Jota. "It will be my second final with Chelsea, and we can be crowned world champions. That is the focus. I want to win. I want to win it for Diogo."
The footballing world continues to mourn the loss of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva, with tributes pouring in from teammates, clubs, and fans alike. Neto's heartfelt words serve as a testament to the impact Jota had on those around him, both on and off the pitch.