Andy Robertson, the former Liverpool left-back, has shared an emotional letter from Diogo Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, as he prepares for the upcoming World Cup. The letter, part of FIFA’s “Letters That Unite” series, conveys a message of gratitude and pride, encouraging Robertson to carry Jota’s dream with him onto the pitch.
Jota, who passed away in a car accident in the early hours of July 3, 2025, in Zamora, Spain, was a close friend and teammate of Robertson. The tragic incident also claimed the life of Jota’s brother, Andre. Floral tributes were laid outside Anfield following the news, and Jota’s sons, Dinis and Duarte, served as mascots at an emotional match between Liverpool and Wolves on Boxing Day.
A Shared Dream for the World Cup
In her letter, Cardoso highlighted the deep friendship between Robertson and Jota, recalling their shared conversations about football and their mutual dream of playing in the World Cup. She wrote, “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.”
Cardoso expressed her belief that Jota’s dream lives on through Robertson. “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 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.”
She thanked Robertson for remembering Jota and for turning the pain of loss into strength. “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.”
Robertson, who was present at Jota’s wedding to Cardoso just days before the accident, acknowledged the profound impact of the letter. He described it as an amazing gesture from Cardoso, especially considering her own grief. “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.”
Carrying Jota’s Legacy
Robertson shared that he and Jota had often discussed their ambition to reach the World Cup. He recalled how their bond strengthened during the 2022 World Cup when Jota missed out due to injury and Scotland did not qualify. “The 2022 World Cup was when me and Jots really became close. He missed out because of injury. Obviously, Scotland never qualified.”
He added that they frequently spoke about what it would mean for both of them to participate in the next World Cup, with the aim of reaching the tournament in America. Robertson expressed his sorrow that Jota’s dream was cut short but affirmed his commitment to carrying his friend’s memory with him. “I’m just gutted that was taken away from him. But I think obviously 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.”
The defender emphasised that Jota’s name and memories would always be cherished. “We will always make sure that his name will never be forgotten, that his memories will always be cherished like Rute says in there, the dreams that we’d shared of trying to be at the World Cup.”
Robertson concluded by stating his intention to play not just for himself, but for both of them, acknowledging the emotional significance of the upcoming tournament. “I’m not only just playing for me, I’m playing for both of us.”
Robertson is widely expected to complete a move to Tottenham following the World Cup.
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Source: liverpoolecho.co.uk
