Cristiano Ronaldo tribute on anniversary of ex-Wolves striker Diogo Jota's death | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal marked the first anniversary of Diogo Jota's death with a poignant tribute. According to ExpressAndStar.com, the squad honoured the late forward during the game.

Before kick-off in Toronto, Jota's image appeared on the big screen towards the end of Portugal's national anthem.

Ronaldo equalised from the penalty spot midway through the second half, before Goncalo Ramos struck a 94th-minute winner in a dramatic round of 32 tie against Croatia.

At full-time, a tearful Ronaldo changed into a special 21 shirt in Jota's honour. Jota scored 14 goals in 49 caps for Portugal. The team then gathered with the shirt held aloft.

Ronaldo told reporters it brought great happiness to pay tribute to Jota. He said the win made it special and that they wanted to reach the next round, believing they had honoured him in the best way. He added they wanted to win for him and that he will always be with them.

The former Portugal, Wolves and Liverpool forward died in a car accident in Spain aged 28 alongside his brother Andre Silva in July last year. He scored 44 goals in 131 appearances for Wolves and helped them lift the Championship title in 2018. He later netted 65 in 182 games for Liverpool, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and EFL Cup.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com