Jota's close friend skips training at Chelsea

Coach Enzo Maresca confirmed that midfielder Pedro Neto did not attend training ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ quarter-final against Palmeiras.

Neto is close to Jota.

Coach Maresca expressed his sympathy for Neto: “Today is a very sad day. In situations like this, you feel helpless. I can only send my love to Jota's family. This is a great tragedy for them. As for Pedro, he is very sad. We will always be by his side to support him."

The Italian tactician also stressed that the decision to play against Palmeiras on July 5 would depend on Neto. "I spoke to Pedro this morning. We support him. Any decision he makes will be the right one," said coach Maresca.

Neto was Jota's teammate at Wolves. The pair also won the 2025 UEFA Nations League with Portugal in June. Jota and Neto have a close relationship.

Defender Marc Cucurella also spoke about Neto's condition: "This morning he was very sad, it was not the best moment for Pedro. But we tried to be there for him and this afternoon he seemed better. Hopefully we can show our love and support and dedicate the goal to Jota."

Chelsea's squad observed a minute of silence on the training ground to remember Jota, after the Portuguese striker died in a traffic accident with his brother Andre Silva in Spain on the morning of July 3 (local time).

Goals on the day Liverpool won the championship In the early morning of April 28, Liverpool crushed Tottenham 5-1 at Anfield, thereby winning the Premier League championship 4 rounds early.

Source: https://znews.vn/ban-than-jota-bo-tap-o-chelsea-post1565939.html