Angry Ruben Neves blasts magazine after questioning relationship with Diogo Jota’s widow

Ruben Neves has been left furious after Portuguese magazine TV Guia questioned his close relationship with Diogo Jota's widow Rute Cardoso

Ruben Neves has hit back at Portuguese magazine TV Guia over claims he has got close with Diogo Jota's wife Rute Cardoso following the Liverpool and Portugal star's tragic passing.

Neves, who recently accompanied Cardoso at Molineux as Wolves paid tribute to their former player Jota ahead of their opening day Premier League fixture against Manchester City, has shared his disgust over an image published on the magazine's cover.

TV Guia captioned the picture: "Ruben Neves and Rute United After Death. How Diogo Jota's widow leans on her best friend".

Neves, who has supported both Cardoso and the Jota family alongside his wife Debora Lourenco in the aftermath of the tragedy, issued a strong 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.

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"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.

"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 in the United States at the Club World Cup with Al-Hilal at the time of Jota's death. Immediately after his side's 2-1 defeat to Fluminense in Orlando, he flew to Porto with team-mate Joao Cancelo for Jota's funeral and would carry his close friend's coffin.

He has since paid a touching tribute to his best friend by getting a tattoo of the pair on his leg which features Jota's No.21 Portugal jersey.

Speaking at a ceremony earlier this month held by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), Neves paid tribute to both Jota and former Porto captain Jorge Costa, who died aged 53 in August following 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."

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