Jota's wife sends emotional letter to Robertson: 'Live it for yourself and for him'

Scotland captain Andy Robertson revealed a deeply moving letter from Rute Cardoso, the wife of the late Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota. The letter, penned with a heart full of longing and gratitude, thanks Robertson for his friendship with Jota and for keeping his memory alive.

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Andy, 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 football discussions, and the dreams.

Cardoso wrote about how Jota often spoke of Robertson, cherishing the bond they built through shared battles, laughter, and football discussions. The World Cup, she noted, was a significant dream for both of them, nurtured with the same passion they brought to the field. Upon hearing Robertson's words and learning of his feelings when Scotland qualified for the World Cup after a long wait, she realized Jota's spirit never truly left the game.

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When you step onto the field, I know it won't just be you going alone. His dream will go with you. Diogo will be with you in your thoughts, in your steps, in your heart.

"When you step onto the field, I know it won't just be you going alone. His dream will go with you," Cardoso wrote. "Diogo will be with you in your thoughts, in your steps, in your heart." She expressed profound thanks to Robertson for not forgetting Jota and for carrying his dream forward, transforming the pain of loss into strength and something beautiful, a practice she and her family emulate daily.

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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, every day. He would be and will be incredibly proud of you.

Robertson, visibly emotional, described the letter as an incredible gesture from Cardoso, especially given her circumstances. He stated that the letter perfectly encapsulates the person she is. He acknowledged the devastation felt by everyone, particularly her, after Jota's passing. "This letter will stay with me for a long time," Robertson said. "And we just have to carry him with us. We will always make sure his name is never forgotten, that his memories will always be cherished, as Rute says in there, the dreams we shared for the effort to get to the World Cup."

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Love this dream, Andy. Live it for yourself and for him.