Ruben Neves has denied reports linking him romantically with Rute Cardoso, the widow of his late best friend and Portugal team-mate Diogo Jota.
Naija News reports that clarification comes after a Portuguese magazine published a front-page photo that appeared to show Neves and Cardoso sharing a kiss.
The image was released alongside an article about the bond between Neves and Jota’s family following the Liverpool forward’s tragic death in a July car crash that also claimed the life of his brother Andre.
Neves, who currently plays for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, has been married to Debora Lourenco for more than a decade and has continued to stand by Jota’s widow and children since the tragedy.
He was visibly emotional at the funeral and later paid tribute to his late friend with a tattoo of them embracing.
Jota had tied the knot with Rute just days before the accident that left behind their three children.
Since then, Neves has remained close to the family, offering support during their difficult period.
The midfielder, who once captained Wolves, played alongside Jota at Porto, Wolves, and for Portugal, featuring together in 164 matches.
Following his friend’s death, Neves has now taken over Jota’s No. 21 shirt in the national team as a way to carry on his legacy, while Liverpool retired the No. 20 jersey in his honor.
Neves, unhappy with the magazine’s portrayal, insisted that his relationship with Rute has only been one of care and support.
In a Facebook post, he stressed that his focus remains on his family and honouring Jota’s memory both on and off the pitch.
He wrote: “Good afternoon. I always believe in the good in people, I’ve been warned not to, I’ve already been deceived, and I never wish bad on anyone.
‘The person who put this picture on the magazine cover, does not deserve to be happy, just like the choice of it was not happy. Me and my wife, @deboralourenco23, been together for over 11 years, happy, with a family that makes me proud, never in 11 years have we been involved in any controversy.
‘We have done our best to help Rute and her family in the best way we can. The choice of this photo is as unhappy as the person who chose it, and the person who posted it.
‘I respect that everyone has their job, I respect that everyone wants to do their best, I don’t respect those who don’t respect others.
‘Again I say, I’m proud of the woman I have, the family I have. We’re proud of Rute, for the strength she’s had, we’re here for whatever it takes, she knows. Thank you.”
The post Diogo Jota’s Best Friend Speaks On Romantic Relationship With Widow Rute Cardoso After Viral Kissing Photo appeared first on Naija News.
