Diogo Jota's widow has penned an emotional letter to Andy Robertson, leaving the Scotland star deeply moved as he prepares to lead his nation at the World Cup.
Robertson was a close friend of the former Liverpool and Portugal star, who tragically died in a car crash last July. The Scotland captain is still recovering from the loss and was in tears when Steve Clarke's side qualified for the World Cup in November.
As part of FIFA's 'Letters That Unite' series, Robertson received a note from Jota's wife, Rute Cardoso. In the letter, she wrote: 'Andy, I’m writing to you with a heart full of longing gratitude and above all pride. Diogo often spoke of you, of the friendship you built, the battles you fought together, the challenges, the laughter, the conversations about football and about dreams.'
'The FIFA World Cup was one of those dreams. When I heard your words and learnt what you felt on that day when Scotland qualified after so many years of waiting, I realised that Diogo never truly left the pitch. By achieving that moment, you won’t be going alone; you’ll be taking his dream with you too.'
'When you step onto the pitch, I know it won’t be just you walking out. Diogo will be with you in your thoughts, in your steps, in your heart. So, today I want to thank you for not forgetting him. Thank you for taking him with you. Thank you for turning the pain of loss into strength and into something so beautiful.'
'He would be and is incredibly proud of you. Cherish that dream, Andy. Live it for yourself and for him. With love, gratitude and all my support, Rute.'
Robertson, who has just left Liverpool for Spurs ahead of the World Cup, responded: 'It’s amazing of Rute to take the time, for what she’s going through, to write me a letter. But it just sums up the person that she is. Thankfully, I got to know her and the amazing times they had.'
'I’d been to their wedding, celebrated trophies with her and Jots. Then I saw how heartbroken we all were, but in particular her, when Jots left us. Thank you, that letter will stay with me for a very long time.'
'And we’ve got to carry him with us. We will always make sure that his name will never be forgotten, that his memories will always be cherished. The last World Cup was when me and Jots really became close. He missed out because of injury. Obviously, Scotland never qualified.'
'We spoke so much about what it would mean to us both to be at the next World Cup. That was the aim for both of us, to get to America. I’m just gutted that it was taken away from him. But obviously I’ll carry him in my heart and I know he’ll be with me come the first game, the second game, the third game - and hopefully beyond that.'
'He’s always there. I know he’ll be right at the front of my mind. I’m not only just playing for me, I’m playing for both of us.'
Robertson attended the couple's wedding just 11 days before Jota's death. The Scotland captain will lead his side into their first World Cup in 28 years against Haiti this weekend.
