Neto and Jota were close friends, and the winger has spoken highly of his former teammate. In a statement on Chelsea's website, Neto wrote about the impact Jota had on his life and football career. He remembered Jota's kindness, his big smile, and his contagious laugh, which he will always cherish.
Neto and Jota were part of a close-knit group of Portuguese players at Wolverhampton Wanderers, including Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho, Ruben Vinagre, and Rui Patricio. The group stayed in touch even after Jota moved to Chelsea, and Neto has fond memories of their time together.
When news of Jota's accident broke, Neto spoke with his coach and teammates, who were supportive of his decision to play in the final. Neto believes that Jota would have wanted them to compete, and he wants to be a "warrior" for his friend by winning the tournament.
For Neto, playing in the final is not just about winning a championship; it's about honoring Jota's memory and legacy. He is determined to give his best performance and help Chelsea become world champions.
Neto's decision to play in the final is a testament to his commitment to his friend and his team. He is eager to pay tribute to Jota's memory and make him proud by winning the Club World Cup.