Pedro Neto paid tribute to former team-mate Diogo Jota throughout a minute’s silence earlier than Chelsea’s Club World Cup match in opposition to Palmeiras.
The recreation within the USA befell roughly 48 hours after Jota and his brother Andre tragically died in a automotive crash in Northern Spain.
Neto performed alongside Jota for the Portugal nationwide crew and have been additionally team-mates at Wolves, with the pair regarded as shut associates off the pitch.
So earlier than their semi-final victory in Philadelphia, Neto held up a Chelsea shirt with ‘Diogo’ and ‘Andre’, with the ahead wanting understandably emotional.
Enzo Maresca had stated previous to the 2-1 win that the winger wouldn’t be pressured into enjoying within the recreation after being excused from Thursday’s coaching session.
Pedro Neto and Chelsea honor Diogo Jota and André Silva 💙 pic.twitter.com/AqP2hQdAw6
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 5, 2025
But the 25-year-old was chosen from the beginning, enjoying 87 minutes earlier than being substituted for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
“Pedro may be very unhappy, most likely greater than unhappy,” Maresca instructed reporters earlier than kick-off. “But we’re near Pedro to assist him on this second. It’s fully Pedro’s resolution [if he wants to play]. I had a chat with him this morning, and we assist him. Any resolution he takes is the fitting one.
“We will assist him in any case. If he’s on the pitch tomorrow or not, we’ll assist him.
“It’s very unhappy day, and I battle to seek out phrases. It’s very tough, the sensation that you’ve is helplessness on this scenario. The solely factor I can say is all my love for his [Jota’s] household on this massive tragedy.”
Neto posted on X after the sport: “Tonight, I carried greater than only a jersey. For Diogo. For André. For each second we shared. Rest simple, my brothers.”
Tonight, I carried greater than only a jersey. For Diogo. For André. For each second we shared. Rest simple, my brothers. 🕊️❤️ #FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/TqCAe1C5vk
— Pedro Neto (@pedrolneto7_) July 5, 2025
Tributes have been pouring in for Jota following his tragic passing, with he and Andre’s funeral going down on Saturday.
Plenty of Jota’s former team-mates, together with gamers and managers from Liverpool and Portugal, have flown in for the service.
