Cristiano Ronaldo goal 'was a sign' as Portugal pays emotional tribute to Diogo Jota
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Roberto Martinez believes Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal “was a sign” from Diogo Jota on an emotional night for Portugal on Saturday.
Jota’s international teammates played for the first time since the Liverpool star’s tragic death, as they thrashed Armenia 5-0 in a World Cup qualifier.
Ronaldo scored twice in Yerevan as tributes were paid throughout the evening.
A minute’s silence was held before the game, with Portuguese fans displaying a banner depicting Jota throughout the game.
Joao Felix opened the scoring after 10 minutes, and signalled the number 21 during his celebrations - Jota’s jersey number for his national team.
Ronaldo would go on to double the lead, with his goal symbolically coming in the 21st minute as the 40-year-old pointed toward the sky in what looked to be another tribute to Jota, with Martinez speaking emotionally about the moment after the game.
"Diogo Jota is with us,” Martinez said.
We felt Diogo Jota from the first day of the training camp and his strength and motivation."
Joao Cancelo pays tribute to Diogo Jota as he celebrates scoring for Portugal against Armenia
Ronaldo and Felix would round off the scoring in the second half as Portugal romped to victory, and paid the perfect tribute to Jota in the process.
Tributes had also been paid throughout the week in the build-up to Saturday’s game, with Ruben Neves revealing a new tattoo to commemorate his great friend as he also took on Jota’s No