Diogo Jota’s widow sends emotional message to Robertson ahead of World Cup

Diogo Jota’s widow, Rute Cardoso, has sent an emotional message to Scotland captain Andy Robertson, urging him to carry the late Liverpool forward’s dream with him to the World Cup.

Robertson, a former Liverpool team-mate and close friend of Jota, recently led Scotland to World Cup qualification for the first time since 1998.

The Scotland captain had spoken about Jota shortly after the qualification-clinching victory over Denmark, revealing that the late Portuguese forward was on his mind throughout the build-up to the match.

Jota and Robertson had often discussed their shared dream of playing at the World Cup while training together during the 2022 tournament, which Jota missed after being left out of Portugal’s squad due to injury.

Jota died four months ago in a road accident that also claimed the life of his brother, Andre Silva.

In a letter to Robertson published by FIFA, Cardoso said she was writing with “longing, gratitude and pride,” adding that Jota had often spoken about the bond he shared with the Scotland captain.

She said the World Cup was one of the dreams Jota and Robertson carried together as team-mates and friends.

Cardoso said Robertson’s qualification for the tournament showed that Jota had not truly left the pitch.

According to her, Robertson would not be going to the World Cup alone because he would also be carrying Jota’s dream with him.

She thanked Robertson for remembering her late husband and for turning grief into strength.

“Cherish that dream, Andy. Live it for yourself and for him,” she wrote.

Robertson was filmed by FIFA reading the letter and later thanked Cardoso for her words, describing the gesture as deeply moving.

“It’s obviously amazing of Rute to even take the time, for what she’s going through, to write me a letter,” Robertson said.

He added that the letter would stay with him for a long time.

Robertson said Jota would remain in his heart throughout the tournament, adding that memories of the late forward would continue to bring moments of both laughter and tears.

“I’m not only just playing for me, I’m playing for both of us,” he said.

The emotional exchange has added another layer of meaning to Scotland’s return to the World Cup, with Robertson now set to honour the dream he once shared with his late Liverpool team-mate.