Ruben Neves honours Diogo Jota with new tattoo

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.

Image Credits: Portugal national team (Instagram)

Portugal international Ruben Neves has paid tribute to the late Diogo Jota by getting a tattoo in his honour.

The new ink celebrates their friendship and shared experiences both on and off the pitch.

The number 21 shirt, previously worn by Jota for Portugal, has also been passed on to his close friend and former teammate, Neves.

The Liverpool forward tragically died in a car crash in northern Spain in July at the age of 28, alongside his brother, Andre Silva.

Al-Hilal midfielder Neves, who played alongside Jota at Wolverhampton Wanderers and for the Portuguese national team, was among the pallbearers at his funeral.

“The number 21 jersey will go to Ruben Neves because, that way, that number will remain on the field and with all of us,” said Portugal manager Roberto Martinez.

“He had a very close relationship with Diogo and is the ideal person to represent him.”

Martinez added: “We know what Diogo meant to each of us and the impact he had on our lives.

We will carry his spirit in our hearts.

“Diogo’s absence is a factor of unity, motivation and responsibility, because Diogo wanted to win the World Cup, and we are here to fight and achieve that dream.”

Liverpool clinched a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title last term, with Diogo Jota wearing the number 20 shirt.

Following his passing, the club decided to retire the shirt after consulting with his wife, Rute Cardoso, and family members.

This season, Brighton midfielder James Milner has chosen to wear the number 20 shirt as a mark of respect to his former Liverpool team-mate.

Read more: Chelsea tried to hijack Liverpool transfer deadline day move

Aston Villa officially confirm unique number for Harvey Elliott

Viktor Gyokeres gives verdict on Alexander Isak saga

Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone