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What Maresca told Chelsea squad as Pedro Neto honours Diogo Jota at Club World Cup

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Chelsea secured passage to the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup on Friday evening, as Pedro Neto produced a sensational performance in honour of his friend and Portugal teammate Diogo Jota.

Portugal stars Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo were left in tears during the moment of silence before Al-Hilal's quarter-final defeat to Fluminense this week, and some may rightfully question why they were chosen to play so soon after the tragic passing of Jota and his brother, Andre Silva.

Tributes have poured in from across the football world and beyond after the Liverpool star and his younger brother were killed in a car crash in the Zamora province in Spain this week, and his colleagues have opted to honour him the only way they know how - by doing what he and they loved.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca revealed before their quarter-final clash against Palmeiras that the decision to play would be left solely up to Neto: "It's very sad. We are all close to Pedro. It's his decision. I had a chat this morning. Any decision he makes is the correct one."

The Portugal winger, who not only shared an international dressing room with Jota but also played together at Wolves during the 2019/20 season, started the fixture in Philadelphia, entering the pitch with a shirt in honour of Jota and Silva.

His decision was certainly the right one, as the Blues ran out 2-1 winners courtesy of a late own goal from Agustín Giay, with Neto one of the star performers.

The 25 year-old completed six of his nine dribbles, won eight of 11 duels and also created two chances in the type of industrious and creative performance his friend would be proud of.

Pedro Neto

vs Palmeiras

Minutes	87
Touches	41
Passes	17/21
Crosses	2/4
Dribbles	6/9
Duels	8/11

Maresca has since revealed a touching message he delivered in front of the Chelsea squad after what can only be described as incredible individual display given the circumstances.

"I just said to the players that this win is especially for him because we know how close he was [with Jota] and the effort that he has done."

The Italian is not the first manager to speak on the tragic event, and perhaps the most touching comments came from legendary Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho, who told Sky Sports: "When people leave this world, normally we all say 'such a nice guy'. Diogo was really a nice guy."

He added: "It happened with me many, many years ago when I was working at Porto with Mr Robson. One of our boys, a loved boy, died in a car crash.

"Instead of the boys suffering alone it was like the group suffered together and trying to fight for his memory. It was a boy Rui Filipe and we were champions, I think for him. In Liverpool they’re going to suffer together."

A funeral for both brothers is taking place on Saturday July 5.

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