Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed that forward Pedro Neto will have the final say on whether he takes to the pitch in the wake of Diogo Jota’s tragic death.

Neto, visibly heartbroken by the loss of his Portugal team-mate and friend, missed Chelsea’s final training session ahead of their Club World Cup quarter-final clash with Palmeiras. Jota and his younger brother, André Silva, died in a car crash in Spain on Thursday, news that has sent shockwaves throughout the footballing world.

Speaking to the press, Maresca said the club is standing firmly behind Neto and will support whatever decision he makes regarding his availability.

“Pedro is very sad — probably more than sad,” Maresca said. “We are close to him and supporting him this morning. It is completely Pedro’s decision. I had a chat with him, and whatever decision he takes will be the right one. If he’s on the pitch tomorrow or not, we will support him.”

The Italian boss added: “It’s a very sad day. I’m struggling to find the words. It’s very difficult. The feeling you get is one of helplessness in a situation like this. The only thing I can say is that all my love and thoughts are with Diogo’s family. It’s a huge tragedy.”

Cucurella: 'It could be destiny'

Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella also spoke about the devastating loss, revealing that the entire squad has rallied around Neto during this difficult time. He expressed hope that, should Neto choose to play, he might honour Jota with a special moment on the pitch.

“In the morning he was sad, and it wasn’t his best moment,” Cucurella shared. “But we tried to stay together, and by the afternoon he was feeling a bit better. I told him that if he plays, he’ll score — because that is destiny.

“Hopefully, we can all show our love and how close we are as friends by dedicating any goals to him and Diogo.”

The Spanish international emphasised that the final decision rests with the player and his manager, but reiterated that Neto’s wellbeing is the priority.

“The manager and Pedro must decide together, but the most important thing is that Pedro feels ready. Football is secondary right now. But he’s in great form and I believe he can really help us in this match.”

A moment for reflection

Cucurella went on to offer his deepest sympathies to Jota’s loved ones, reflecting on how such events force perspective in a sport often consumed by intensity and competition.

“It’s a bad moment — we send all our love to the family, to his wife, to the kids. That comes from me, from the Chelsea squad, and from the wider football family,” he said.

“Football doesn’t matter at times like this. What matters is respect, love, and life. I saw the news as soon as I woke up and it was very difficult. These moments remind you that life is fragile and can change instantly.

“If you’re not feeling good, or you’re not giving 100 per cent, remember how important it is to live each day with joy. Diogo loved football. He loved playing, scoring — and tomorrow, that’s what we hope to do: show our respect on the pitch, where he felt most at home.”