Pedro Neto has dedicated Chelsea’sClub World Cup final to Diogo Jota. Chelsea winger Neto was a former Wolves and Portugal team-mate of the late Liverpool star who tragically 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.

Portugal star 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. We are really happy, really happy to reach the final and to get there is unbelievable. We are ready to win the final, play the final and we are determined to win it.”

Chelsea are now in Sunday’s final in the MetLife Stadium afterseeing off Fluminense in the semi final and it could crown their season in spectacular fashion.

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They won the Europa Conference League final and qualified for the Champions League with now another potential trophy to come.

Chelsea have not always been convincing and the jury is out on manager Enzo Marescabut Neto says they deserve respect.

Neto said: “I think the results speak for themselves and show how hard we’ve been working, we’ve been doing good things, working really hard, we’ve improved a lot and we all think there is more to come from this team.

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“We hope to finish in the best way. It would be unbelievable, a dream come true and I’m really, really looking forward to playing this final and hopefully winning it on Sunday.”

Chelsea also overcame scorching 100 degree-plus temperatures in the semi final win with the sun beating down but Neto says there can be no excuses for anyone after Joao Pedro’s double won the day.

Neto added: “The weather is the same for all the teams, we are ready to play and we will give everything to win the competition. Joao is such a good player, he is really good, really dangerous and we are very happy to have him.”

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