Former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves drew praise from fans far and wide last night, after dedicating his first ever goal for Portugal to the late Diogo Jota.
Ruben Neves has remained a regular in the Portugal squad despite moving to the Saudi Pro League from Wolves a couple of years ago.
Plenty criticised him for that move, as Neves was still in his prime.
But the star has shone for Al-Hilal, and that has prompted Roberto Martinez to keep calling him for Portugal duty.
And last night, against the Republic of Ireland, Neves scored his first goal for his country – and there were some beautiful scenes on show during the goal celebration.
Ruben Neves dedicates first Portugal goal to Diogo Jota and shows tattoo
On July 3, the football world was left shocked when news emerged that Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva had died in a car crash in Zamora, Spain.
Since then, there have been tributes from so many figures in football, with Liverpool and Wolves both honouring Jota and Andre.
Neves was a very close friend of Jota and was a pallbearer at his funeral. He also attended Wolves’ first game at Molineux, which featured his favourite song – Fields of Gold by Sting – and the South Bank unveiling a huge banner.
And Neves now wears the number 21 shirt for Portugal in Jota’s honour.
Neves also recently unveiled a new tattoo of him and Jota on his calf – and last night after scoring his first goal for Portugal he dropped his sock to show it and his respect.
He also kissed the number on the front of his shirt, prompting widespread adoration from fans.
@Dylanwwfc: “He really is the greatest to ever live. We *must* be in a good position next summer so we can at least try to tempt him into coming back.”
@TheRealKofiB: “One of the greatest tattoos ever.”
@mariwwfc: “I love him.”
@mortimer_ben: “Ruben 💛 #wwfc“
@iannph61: “Class 🧡🖤”
@lindseytrev: “So proud of you Ruben and your love and loyalty to Diogo. Pure class.”
Neves is a class act
It was heartwarming to see Neves again take an opportunity to honour the great Diogo Jota last night.
It must have been a truly emotional moment for the former Wolves captain to get his first goal for his country while wearing Jota’s old shirt.
Since Jota passed, Neves has moved to ensure his former Wolves teammate is honoured regularly and he has truly been a class act during a no doubt incredibly difficult time.
He is a class act both on and off the field, and Wolves fans would no doubt love to have him back at Molineux as a player again one day if the circumstances will allow it.