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AC Milan and Portugal ace Rafael Leao has paid tribute to the man Diogo Jota was and he continues to serve as an inspiration for the national team.

The striker was tragically killed in the summer, leaving all those associated with him in mourning following the shock news. Jota died while driving through Zamora, Spain, in his Lamborghini when a flat tyre suddenly burst and sent the car veering off the road. His brother also passed away in the incident.

The Portuguese ace, who had only just claimed the Premier League title at Anfield, was loved by his club and international team-mates. Leao revealed that Jota was also a great listening ear and very generous, whilst he also took time out to come and watch him in Milan.

He said in an interview with CBS: “Everyone cared about him. Even if sometimes he was in his corner talking with his wife or kids. But he was a good team-mate and always wanted to help everyone, even me sometimes. Sometimes I used to ask him for a few things and he would also ask me for tickets for his family. To come to AC Milan to watch some games.”

Jota's funeral in July was an incredibly emotional affair with international team-mates Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias Bernardo Silva, Ruben Neves, as well as former Liverpool player Fabinho, Porto president Andre Villas-Boas and Portugal manager Roberto Martinez all present.

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Asked whether his passing would inspire Portugal to go on and win the World Cup, Leao said: “Every game we think about him. Always after a game he was there celebrating and if he could score a goal. And every game we think about him.”

Leao and Jota were part of Portugal's last World Cup bid, which saw them shocked by Morocco in the last eight in Qatar. They have never claimed the World Cup but have the chance to do so this summer in North America, with Jota's legacy among their motivating factors.

In pre-season Leao paid his own tribute to Jota after opening the scoring for Milan against Liverpool. The Portuguese winger made the number 20 with his fingers. It was a subdued celebration from the winger, who was keen to pay his respects to the player.

This season the Liverpool players have had a “Forever 20” emblem - referencing Jota’s retired shirt number - printed on their shirts and stadium jackets for the season. The Portugal star became the first player in Reds' history to have his number retired in the wake of the tragedy.

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