Pedro Neto set to honour Diogo Jota in Club World Cup final

Pedro Neto has experienced a turbulent mix of emotions this July. While delighted to have played a key role in Chelsea reaching the Club World Cup final, he was simultaneously devastated by the loss of his friend Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident in Spain.

Chelsea asked Neto to write the final entry in the club's matchday notes before the final, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain, aiming to win and dedicate the title to the late player.

"When I walk onto the pitch on Sunday, I want to win this competition for Diogo Jota. He will always be with me, and I'll always remember him. My thoughts are with him, his brother André Silva, and their families. It's a very difficult time," Pedro Neto stated.

"Diogo immediately caught my eye when I first arrived in England. I was very young and in a new country, and he was one of the key players at Wolves. He helped me and my family a lot, and I learned so much from him about life and football.

"Diogo was part of our group of Portuguese players: Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho, Ruben Vinagre, Rui Patrício, Diogo, and me. We were very close and spent a lot of time off the pitch," he explained.

Neto recalled that the group had stayed "in contact" and that the shared memories would stay with him "for life". "That's why it's so hard to be without Diogo now," wrote the Chelsea winger.

"He was a warrior, a man who was always willing to fight for you. Yet, he also had that big smile and his laugh... something I'll always remember," he revealed.

"When I heard the news, I spoke to the manager and everyone was very supportive. We had the match against Palmeiras, and it didn't make sense for me to play. Yet, knowing Diogo's personality, I think he would have wanted me to play. I have the feeling that he is still protecting all his loved ones.

"That's why I want to be his warrior. Sunday is no exception. It will be my second final with Chelsea, and we have the chance to be crowned world champions. That's the ultimate goal. I want to win, I want to win it for Diogo," he concluded.