Ruben Neves has launched a furious attack on Portuguese magazine TV Guia following claims he has grown close to Diogo Jota’s wife Rute Cardoso after the Liverpool and Portugal star’s tragic death.
Neves, who recently accompanied Cardoso at Molineux as Wolves honoured their former player Jota before their opening day Premier League clash against Manchester City, has expressed his outrage over an image featured on the magazine’s front page. TV Guia captioned the photograph: “Ruben Neves and Rute United After Death. How Diogo Jota’s widow leans on her best friend.”
Neves, who has stood by both Cardoso and the Jota family alongside his wife Debora Lourenco following the tragedy, delivered a scathing response to the article on Instagram.
He wrote: “I always believe in the good in people, I’ve been warned not to do so, I’ve been wrong, and I never wish harm on anyone.
“The person who put this photo on the magazine cover doesn’t deserve to be happy, just as their choice wasn’t a happy one. My wife, Debora Lourenco, and I have been together for over 11 years, happy, with a family that makes me proud, and in 11 years we have never been involved in any controversy.
“We’ve done our best to help Rute and her family in the best way possible. The choice of this photo is as unfortunate as the person who chose it and the person who posted it. I respect that everyone has their own work, I respect that everyone wants to do their best, and I don’t respect those who don’t respect others.
For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express LFC newsletter.
“Once again, I’m proud of the woman I have, the family I have. We’re proud of Rute, for the strength she’s shown; we’re here for whatever she needs, she knows how. Thank you.”
Neves was competing in the United States at the Club World Cup with Al-Hilal when Jota tragically passed away.
Straight after his team’s 2-1 loss to Fluminense in Orlando, he travelled to Porto alongside teammate Joao Cancelo for Jota’s funeral and served as a pallbearer.
He has subsequently honoured his closest mate with a moving tattoo depicting both of them on his leg, which includes Jota’s No. 21 Portugal shirt.
During a ceremony held earlier this month by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), Neves remembered both Jota and former Porto skipper Jorge Costa, who passed away aged 53 in August after suffering a cardiac arrest.
“I and the entire national team team will do everything we can to keep Diogo here with us, on our team,” Neves said. “Thank you, Jorge, and Diogo. Forever in our hearts.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk