'Diogo Jota Is With Us' — Roberto Martinez Reflects as Cristiano Ronaldo Scores 21st minute goal for Portugal

'Diogo Jota Is With Us' — Roberto Martinez Reflects as Cristiano Ronaldo Scores 21st minute goal for Portugal

Roberto Martinez paid tribute to the late Liverpool star Diogo Jota, describing Cristiano Ronaldo’s 21st-minute goal in Portugal’s first match since the tragedy as ‘a sign’.

Portugal secured a comprehensive 5-0 World Cup qualifier win over Armenia on Saturday, their first game since the tragic passing of Jota and his brother Andre Silva.

The ex-Liverpool star died in a car accident on July 3rd, leaving the footballing world in complete disbelief.

Ahead of the game against Armenia, Jota’s former teammates and friends paid tribute to the forward, with Ruben Neves, Jota’s former Wolves colleague, taking the number 21 shirt, the number Jota used to wear.

The stars aligned in the 21st minute when Ronaldo scored his first goal in the 21st minute, something that resonated with Martinez.

Martinez was emotional after the game, hailing his squads determination to honour Jota.

"Diogo Jota is with us. Being able to score in the 21st minute was special. We continue on our journey. I really believe (in coincidences).” He said.0

“Diogo's spirit is with us, it was a sign, in the 21st minute and we scored. We felt Diogo Jota from the first day of the training camp and his strength and motivation."