NETO'S TOUCH OF CLASS

Winger dedicates final to Jota

- JOHN CROSS

PEDRO NETO has dedicated Chelsea’s Club World Cup final appearance to Diogo Jota.

The Chelsea winger was a former Portugal teammate of the late Liverpool star, who died in a car crash with his brother Andre.

Neto admitted it has been “really difficult” to carry on playing in the United States after losing his close friend but now says he is motivated to win the final as a tribute to Jota.

Neto said: “It’s been really difficult in the last few days and I just want to leave a message that this final is for him and his brother.

“It’s a really tough time for me, difficult to speak about it and let's hope I can do it for him.

“But I want to dedicate this final to him and his family and show my support in these difficult times for them.