Former Wolves star Ruben Neves was one of Diogo Jota’s closest friends.
The two played together at Wolves and for the Portugal national team, but their friendship runs deeper than football.
The two were a formidable pairing both at Molineux and for the national team.
Neves now wants to honour his late friend on the pitch as well.
Ruben Neves will wear Diogo Jota’s number 21 shirt for Portugal
In a touching gesture to Jota, Neves will wear number 21 playing for Portugal.
BBC Sport shares manager Roberto Martinez’s comments on the decision, saying: “The number 21 jersey will go to Ruben Neves because, that way, that number will remain on the field and with all of us.
“He had a very close relationship with Diogo and is the ideal person to represent him.”
A touching way to preserve the legacy of a Wolves hero, courtesy of a fellow hero.
Ruben Neves joins James Milner in honouring Diogo Jota this season
Former Liverpool midfielder James Milner has made a similar decision ahead of the Premier League season.
Now plying his trade at Brighton, Milner will don the number 20 that Jota wore during his time at Anfield, and the one he lifted the Premier League trophy with just three months ago.
Liverpool have also retired the jersey in honour of a brilliant player and an even better person.
In the face of tragedy, it’s a comfort to see Jota’s legacy will live on in symbolic gestures such as these.