- Cristiano Ronaldo paid an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota after scoring for Portugal on Saturday, pointing to the sky in remembrance
- It was Portugal’s first match since Jota’s tragic death, though Ronaldo had not attended the funeral held in July
- João Cancelo also honoured his late teammate by performing Jota’s trademark PlayStation celebration
Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a heartfelt tribute to his late former teammate Diogo Jota after scoring for Portugal against Armenia.
The World Cup qualifier marked Portugal’s first match since Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, tragically lost their lives in a car accident in Spain on July 3.
Source: Twitter
Jota, who earned 49 caps and scored 14 goals for Portugal since his 2019 debut, had shared the pitch with Ronaldo 32 times, combining for seven goals.
Both were key members of the squad that lifted the Nations League trophy in June, just weeks before Jota’s passing.
João Félix opened the scoring for Portugal in the 10th minute against Armenia, before Cristiano Ronaldo doubled the lead just eleven minutes later.
Ronaldo paid tribute to Diogo Jota by pointing to the sky after his goal.
João Cancelo added a third moments later, and the Ali-Hilal defender honoured the former Liverpool superstar with his trademark PlayStation celebration.
A minute after the restart, Ronaldo produced a moment of brilliance, unleashing a thunderous volley from distance that rocketed into the net, with Armenia goalkeeper Henri Avagyan managing the faintest of touches but powerless to stop it.
Felix then scored his brace to give Portugal their fifth goal.
Ronaldo had been criticised after missing Jota’s funeral, which took place in Gondomar, Portugal, in July.
According to Portuguese outlet Record, Ronaldo may have opted not to attend the event due to sensitivities surrounding the death of his father, Jose Diniz Aveiro, who died in September 2005 – when Ronaldo was just 20 years old.
Ronaldo was shocked to hear of Jota’s passing but is said to have not made the journey as he did not wish for his presence to overshadow the importance of people paying their respects to Jota and his brother.
Cristiano Ronaldo eyes sixth World Cup tournament
Next year would likely be Ronaldo’s last chance to win it when the tournament is staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Like him, Messi would also be playing at a sixth World Cup — setting the pair apart from any other player, with a host of names having appeared in five.
The leading goalscorer in international football history is now 26 goals clear of his rival Lionel Messi at the top of list as his remarkable international career shows no signs of slowing down.
Ronaldo is also the player with the most appearances in international football after making his 222nd appearance for Portugal this weekend.
The Portugal captain will be hopeful of leading the line for his country at next year’s World Cup despite the fact that he will be 41 in February.
The World Cup remains a trophy that has escaped Ronaldo’s clutches and he will be looking to add to his international honours after winning Euro 2016 and the Nations League on two occasions.
The goal against Armenia is the 942nd strike of a scintillating career that could end with him reaching an unprecedented tally of 1,000 goals.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Source: Yen.com.gh
