Diogo Jota's ex-Wolves teammate pays emotional tribute before lifting major trophy

Raul Jimenez paid an emotional tribute to his former Wolves teammate Diogo Jota as he helped Mexico win the Gold Cup. The Central American side took on the USA in the final on Sunday evening.

Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards had given Mauricio Pochettino's side an early lead, only for Raul Jimenezto equalise. West Ham defender Edson Alvarez sealed victory in the 77th minute to secure Mexico’s tenth title in all.

And it was an especially emotional occasion for Jimenez, who made sure to pay tribute to his friend Jota -who died alongside his brother in a devastating car crash in Spain last week. Before the game, Jimenez had walked out onto the pitch wearing a Mexico shirt with Jota’s name and number on the back.

And once he scored, he also made sure to emulate his former teammate as he copied his trademark gaming celebration as he sat down with his legs crossed and pretended to hold a controller. Jimenez’s latest tribute comes just days after he penned an emotional message to the Liverpool forward.

He wrote: “It’s hard to process this kind of news - I still can’t believe it. An incredible team-mate, a friend, and above all, a great father. Thank you for everything, my friend. We’ll always remember you. Sending a hug to heaven.”

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Jimenez is far from the only former Wolves star to have paid tribute to Jota. Midfielder Ruben Neves also wrote an emotional message on social media.

He said: “Bug, wherever you are I know you will read this, we were never this lame and I may regret it now a little, but you know what you mean to me as much as I know what I am to you.

“More than a friendship, we're family, and we won't stop it just because now you decided to sign a contract a little further away from us! When I go to the selection, you'll still be next to me at the dinner table, on the bus, on the plane... you'll always be there with me as always.

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“Let's keep laughing, making plans, sharing our life with each other. I'm going to make sure you're always present and I'll make sure that your loved ones never lack anything while you're there, far away but thinking of us, waiting for us.

“Life has brought us together and now it can’t tear us apart. We've achieved some great things together, we still have a lot to go, I know we can. From today on, you will enter the field with me and we will follow our path together, on the stage where we met. Diogoal, you are my favorite lemonade!!”

Neves was also consoled by his teammates as he became overwhelmed with emotion during a minute’s silence at the Club World Cup in the USA. The former Wolves star also attended the funeral of Jota and his brother over the weekend.