'Diogo will be with you' - Jota's widow Rute Cardoso writes emotional letter to Andy Robertson ahead of World Cup appearance with Scotland

In a poignant piece of correspondence published by the world governing body, the mother of three expressed profound appreciation for the defender's enduring loyalty. Written to the Scotland international ahead of the summer showcase, Cardoso said: "I am 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 World Cup was one of those dreams, a dream that the two of you nurtured, side by side, with the same passion with which you took to the pitch.

"When I heard your words and learnt what you felt on that day when Scotland qualified for the World Cup, after so many years of waiting, I realised that Diogo never truly left the pitch. By achieving that moment and securing your place at the World Cup, you won’t be going alone. You’ll be taking his dream with you too. And when you step on to the pitch, I know it won’t just be you walking out, Diogo will be with you in your thoughts, in your steps, in your heart.

"So today, I want to thank you. 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. That’s how we do it here at home too. Every day. He would be, and is, incredibly proud of you. Cherish that dream, Andy. Live it for yourself and for him."

The footballing community was left devastated when the 28-year-old forward and his brother, Andre Silva, lost their lives. Robertson, who was visibly moved when presented with the message by media staff, pledged to honour his close friend throughout the tournament.

Reacting to the gesture, Robertson said: "It’s obviously amazing of Rute to even 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 that they had.

"That letter will stay with me for a very long time. I’ll carry him in my heart and I know he’ll be with me come the first game, come the second game, come the third game and hopefully beyond that.

"He’s always there. The memories are always something that we bring up and sometimes laugh, sometimes cry. And that will be no different, especially going into a tournament which is full of emotion. 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."

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