Andrew Robertson has vowed to carry Diogo Jota in his heart at the World Cup after receiving a letter from his widow.
The Scotland captain will lead his country at their first finals for 28 years in North America this summer.
Diogo Jota of Liverpool celebrates scoring his sides first goal with Andrew Robertson during the Premier League match between Brentford and Liverpool
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Robertson has vowed to carry Jota in his heart at this summer's World CupCredit: Getty
It comes less than a year after Jota's tragic passing aged 28 in a car crash last July.
The Liverpool hero died alongside his brother Andre Silva after the accident in Spain.
His death had a huge emotional impact on Robertson, who paid an emotional tribute to Jota after Scotland secured World Cup qualification in November.
Emotional letter
FIFA have now published a letter written to the defender by Jota's widow and the mother of his three children, Rute Cardoso.
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Robertson read out her message on camera before thanking Cardoso and adding it would stay with him for a very long time.
In the letter, she wrote: "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 World Cup was one of those dreams, a dream that the two of you nurtured, side by side, with the same passion with which you took to the pitch.
"When I heard your words and learnt what you felt on that day when Scotland qualified for the World Cup, after so many years of waiting, I realised that Diogo never truly left the pitch.
"By achieving that moment and securing your place at the World Cup, you won't be going alone.
"You'll be taking his dream with you too. And when you step on to the pitch, I know it won't just be you walking out. Diogo will be with you in your thoughts, in your steps, in your heart.
Scotland's Andy Robertson reading a letter from Diogo Jota's wife Rute ahead of World Cup
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An emotional Robertson received a letter from Jota's widow Cardoso before the tournamentCredit: FIFA
"So today, I want to thank you. 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.
"That's how we do it here at home too. Every day. He would be, and is, incredibly proud of you. Cherish that dream, Andy. Live it for yourself and for him."
Robertson and Jota made 130 appearances together for Liverpool as well as winning five trophies including a Premier League title.
After helping Scotland reach the World Cup, Robertson had revealed he and Jota used to talk about playing at the tournament together.
His Portuguese teammate missed the 2022 edition through injury.
Robertson message
Following Cardoso's letter, Robertson promised he would be playing for both himself and Jota in North America.
Diogo Jota of Liverpool celebrates his with Andrew Robertson of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest
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Jota and Robertson made 130 appearances together for LiverpoolCredit: Getty
The 32-year-old explained: "I'll carry him in my heart and I know he'll be with me come the first game, come the second game, come the third game and hopefully beyond that.
"He's always there. The memories are always something that we bring up and sometimes laugh, sometimes cry.
"And that will be no different, especially going into a tournament which is full of emotion. 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."
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Scotland will be appearing at the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
Steve Clarke's side face Haiti, Morocco and Brazil in group C, with their first match on Sunday at 2am, live on talkSPORT.