Diogo Jota’s wife Lute Cardoso has written a touching letter to Andy Robertson, praising the former Liverpool star’s World Cup achievements and insisting his former teammate will be with him in spirit.
Andy Robertson and Diogo Jota strengthened their bond at Liverpool (Image: Liverpool FC)
Andy Robertson received a heartfelt letter from Diogo Jota’s wife saying: “You will be taking his dreams with him” as he prepares to lead Scotland to the World Cup.
The two former Liverpool stars were incredibly close and Jota’s shocking death last summer came as a surprise to everyone, especially those closest to him. Robertson attended Jota and Lute Cardoso’s wedding just 11 days before Jota’s death, and the Scot was one of the tragic Portuguese’s close friends at Anfield.
Like the rest of Liverpool, Robertson is still feeling the pain of Jota’s loss, with the left-back crying on the Hampden Park pitch during Steve Clarke’s side’s World Cup qualification game against Denmark in November.
Had Jota still been with us, he would have certainly played for Portugal in this summer’s tournament, but his wife declared in a moving letter that Robertson would carry their dreams on their shoulders.
As part of FIFA’s Uniting Letters series, he received a note from Jota’s wife to Robertson that read:
“Diogo often talked about you, the friendships you made, the battles you fought together, the challenges, the laughs, the conversations you had about football and dreams. The FIFA World Cup was one of those dreams. When I heard your words and realized how I felt that day when Scotland qualified after years of waiting, I realized that Diogo never really left the pitch.
“By achieving that moment, you are not going alone, your dreams are going with you. I know that when you step on the pitch, you will not be the only one walking out. Diogo will be with you in your thoughts, in your steps, in your heart.”
“So, thank you for remembering him today. Thank you for taking him with you. Thank you for taking the pain of loss and turning it into something so beautiful. I’m sure he would be proud of you and incredibly proud of you. Andi, cherish that dream. Live for yourself and for him. With love, gratitude, and my support, Root.”
Andy Robertson will lead Scotland at this summer’s World Cup (Image: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Scotland begin the World Cup against Haiti and Robertson, who has just left Liverpool for Tottenham, wrote a reply admitting that it was the last World Cup that really brought him and Jota closer together.
“It’s great that Root took the time to write to me, considering what she was going through, but it just sums up who she is as a person. Thankfully, I got to know her and the wonderful times they had. I was at their wedding and celebrated the trophy with her and Jots. And when Jots left us, I saw how heartbroken we all were, especially her.”
“Thank you. That letter will stay with me for a long time and we have to take him with us. We will always make sure that his name is never forgotten and his memory is always cherished. It was at the last World Cup that Jots and I really became friends. He missed out due to injury. Obviously Scotland didn’t qualify.”
“We talked a lot about what it would mean to both of us to play in the next World Cup. That was the goal for both of us to go to America.
“I’m disappointed to have that taken away from him. But of course I’m going to keep him in my heart and I know he’s going to be with me for the first game, the second game, the third game and hopefully beyond. He’s always going to be there. I know he’s at the forefront of my mind. I’m not just playing for myself, I’m playing for both of us.”
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