Bruno Fernandes says the memory of Diogo Jota will help inspire Portugal's bid to win the World Cup.
The football world was left stunned last summer when Liverpool star Jota and his brother Andre Silva were tragically killed in a car accident in their homeland.
The world of sport went into mourning. Twelve months later, Fernandes insists his former teammate and close friend is never far from the thoughts of the Portugal squad.
Roberto Martinez's side kick off their campaign against DR Congo in Houston tomorrow. Manchester United captain Fernandes said: "It's very important for us. He was in the group for so long and I played with him through the under-21s.
"We came to the first team at the same time, and I obviously played against him in the Premier League. Everyone has spoken about him. It will always be good words about him. He was a great teammate, very down to earth and a great person for the country.
"He's still part of our group - and always will be. So will his brother be, too. He will also be in our memories."
Portugal have never won a World Cup, and Fernandes insists there is nothing wrong with dreaming this will change in the coming weeks.
He added: "The best one (team) is the one that wins (the tournament), and I hope at the end we can claim to be that.
"I do believe we have a very talented squad with great individual quality and beyond that, we are a very cohesive team and united. That's what makes this team special.
"Our dream is to be there. I think dreaming is not forbidden. But our main focus is to start well and focus on the first game in hand.
"If we really want to reach the top, we have to not look too far ahead. There is a responsibility, because this team has so many talents, we just have to be decisive to reach the top."
