Robertson was a close pal of the former Liverpool and Portugal star, who sadly lost his life in a car crash 11 months ago
17:35, 08 Jun 2026
A mural depicting Andy Robertson and Jota
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A mural depicting Andy Robertson and Jota(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Andy Robertson insists Diogo Jota's spirit will be with him throughout Scotland’s World Cup campaign.
The former Liverpool and Portugal star tragically died in a car accident last July, leaving Robertson devastated.
Jota wasn’t just an ex-Anfield team-mate - he was also a close friend of Robertson off the pitch.
The 28-year-old’s death stunned the football world and the Scotland captain is still recovering from the loss.
He was in tears on the Hampden pitch when Steve Clarke’s side qualified for the World Cup in November against Denmark.
Both players dreamt of playing at this summer's tournament in America.
Robertson will lead the Scots into their first World Cup in 28 years in their opening game against Haiti this weekend.
And as part of FIFA’s "Letters That Unite" series, he received a note from Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso.
In the letter, she speaks directly to Robertson, saying: “Andy, I’m writing to you with a heart full of longing gratitude and above all pride.
“Diogo often spoke of you, of the friendship you built, the battles you fought together, the challenges, the laughter, the conversations about football and about dreams.
“The FIFA World Cup was one of those dreams. When I heard your words and learnt what you felt on that day when Scotland qualified after so many years of waiting, I realised that Diogo never truly left the pitch.
“By achieving that moment, you won’t be going alone; you’ll be taking his dream with you too.
“When you step onto the pitch, I know it won’t be just you walking out. Diogo will be with you in your thoughts, in your steps, in your heart.
“So, today I want to thank you for not forgetting him. Thank you for taking him with you. Thank you for turning the pain of loss into strength and into something so beautiful.
Andy Robertson and Diogo Jota
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Andy Robertson and Diogo Jota (Image: Liverpool FC)
“He would be and is incredibly proud of you. Cherish that dream, Andy. Live it for yourself and for him.
“With love, gratitude and all my support, Rute.”
Robertson was touched by the words of Jota’s partner, someone he also got to know well.
He attended the couple’s wedding just 11 days before he died.
In response to Rute’s letter, the Scotland star - who has just left Liverpool for Spurs ahead of the World Cup - said: “It’s amazing of Rute to take the time, for what she’s going through, to write me a letter.
“But it just sums up the person that she is. Thankfully, I got to know her and the amazing times they had.
“I’d been to their wedding, celebrated trophies with her and Jots. Then I saw how heartbroken we all were, but in particular her, when Jots left us.
“Thank you, that letter will stay with me for a very long time. “And we've got to carry him with us. We will always make sure that his name will never be forgotten, that his memories will always be cherished.
“The last World Cup was when me and Jots really became close. He missed out because of injury. Obviously, Scotland never qualified.
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“We spoke so much about what it would mean to us both to be at the next World Cup. That was the aim for both of us, to get to America.
“I’m just gutted that it was taken away from him. But obviously I'll carry him in my heart and I know he'll be with me come the first game, the second game, the third game - and hopefully beyond that.
“He’s always there. I know he'll be right at the front of my mind. I’m not only just playing for me, I’m playing for both of us.”