Wimbledon star Nuno Borges has revealed that his plan to wear a Portugal soccer shirt bearing Diogo Jota's name and number was blocked.
Tragically, Liverpool star Jota lost his life in a car accident in Spain early on Thursday morning after a tire on his car burst, leading to the vehicle swerving off the road, crashing, and catching fire. The forward was just 28 years old.
The devastating incident also claimed the life of his younger brother, Andre Silva. This heartbreaking incident happened just 11 days following Jota's wedding to his long-time partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three children.
In a rare move, Wimbledon permitted players to sport black armbands, deviating from their stringent all-white dress code. Yet Borges has disclosed that he was barred from wearing a Portugal soccer top.
Given that Portugal's national football team's home kit is dark red and their away kit is white, the latter might have been more acceptable for Borges to wear at Wimbledon. Nevertheless, Borges was informed that even the white kit was off-limits.
Instead, Borges adorned his cap with a black ribbon during his third-round clash against Karen Khachanov, despite his and his team's efforts to pay a more significant tribute by wearing the jersey.
Jota died on Thursday, aged 28
Jota died on Thursday, aged 28 (Image: Getty Images)
Speaking to PA, Borges commented: "I know Wimbledon is usually not very flexible with attire.
"But I was told we could still do something to pay our respects for what happened, so I think it was a nice gesture. He was a great footballer. It was a tragedy."
He added: "We initially talked about getting a full jersey to walk on court.
"I even tried to find one in white, but it was turned down, so we ended up doing something a little smaller."
When probed on whether he felt he should have been allowed the jersey, he said: "I think that's what makes Wimbledon special and different from every other Slam, so I really don't know."
Despite being the clear underdog, the Portuguese talent put up an impressive fight in a five-set spectacle against Khachanov, nearly delivering a shock result.
The sports community is still mourning the passing of Jota, fresh off clinching the Premier League title with Liverpool and triumphing in the Nations League representing Portugal.
Jota's funeral took place on Saturday in his home city of Gondomar, Portugal, drawing attendance from Liverpool players and head coach Arne Slot, as well as a host of former colleagues who traveled there to pay their respects.