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Rute Cardoso, the widow of the late Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, has written a deeply emotional letter to Scotland captain Andy Robertson as he prepares for the upcoming World Cup. In her touching note, Cardoso encouraged the left-back to honour the memory and unfulfilled international dreams of his former Anfield teammate, who tragically lost his life in a road accident.

Robertson braces for an emotional World Cup journey

Robertson led Scotland to their first appearance on the global stage since 1998, following a decisive 4-2 victory against Denmark in November last year. In the aftermath of that triumph, the captain revealed that his late friend had been on his mind throughout the qualifying campaign. The pair had previously shared a close bond, united by their mutual determination to reach the finals — a dream they had discussed often while training together during the 2022 tournament, which Jota had missed due to injury.

Cardoso’s letter urges Robertson to live the dream

In a moving message shared by the world governing body of football, the mother of three expressed her deep gratitude for Robertson’s continued remembrance of her late husband. Writing to the Scotland skipper ahead of the summer tournament, she said: “I write to you with a heart full of longing, gratitude and, above all, pride.”

“Diogo often spoke about you — the friendship you built, the battles you fought together, the laughter, the challenges, and your shared conversations about football and dreams. The World Cup was one of those dreams, one that both of you cherished with the same passion that you took onto the pitch.”

“When I heard your words after Scotland qualified for the World Cup, after so many years of waiting, I realised Diogo never really left the field. By achieving that moment and earning your place at the World Cup, you ensured that you wouldn’t be going alone. You’ll be carrying his dream with you. And when you walk out onto that pitch, I know Diogo will be with you — in your thoughts, in your steps, and in your heart.”

“So today, I want to thank you. Thank you for not forgetting him. Thank you for carrying his memory with you. Thank you for transforming grief into strength and into something so beautiful. That’s what we do at home too, every day. He would be, and is, immensely proud of you. Cherish this dream, Andy. Live it for yourself and for him.”

Anfield friendship endures beyond tragedy

The football world was left heartbroken when the 28-year-old Jota and his brother Andre Silva tragically passed away. Robertson, visibly emotional upon receiving the letter from media staff, promised to honour his late friend during the tournament.

Speaking about the letter, Robertson said: “It’s incredibly kind of Rute to take the time, given everything she’s going through, to write me a letter — it says everything about the kind of person she is. I was lucky to have known her and to have shared in the wonderful moments they had together.”

“That letter will stay with me forever. I’ll carry Diogo in my heart, and I know he’ll be there with me during the first game, the second game, the third game, and hopefully beyond.”

“He’s always present. The memories come up often — sometimes they make us laugh, sometimes they bring tears. That won’t change, especially as we head into such an emotional tournament. He’ll be right at the front of my mind. I’m not just playing for myself; I’m playing for both of us.”

Robertson set for the ultimate challenge

The 32-year-old left-back completed a solid 45-minute outing during Scotland’s 4-0 warm-up victory over Bolivia. With their final preparation match behind them, Robertson now turns his focus to leading Scotland through a demanding Group C campaign alongside Haiti, Morocco, and Brazil. The journey begins when Scotland face Haiti at Boston Stadium on Sunday, June 14, where securing an early win will be crucial for momentum.