Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves has reacted strongly after a magazine article suggested he had become close to Rute Cardoso, the wife of the late footballer Diogo Jota.

Liverpool star Jota tragically died in a car crash in the Spanish province of Zamora in July, along with his brother, Andre Silva. The vehicle suffered a tyre blowout and then burst into flames, and both brothers were pronounced dead a short time later.

Just 11 days before his death, Jota had married Rute Cardoso, his long-term partner and mother of their three children. The joint funeral took place in their hometown, with Liverpool and Portugal players in attendance.

Neves, who previously played alongside Jota at Wolves, expressed his utmost respect for his friend. He and Joao Cancelo played for Al Hilal in a Club World Cup match against Fluminense before travelling to attend the funeral, where Neves carried the coffin.

He returned to Molineux alongside Rute for Wolves’ first Premier League game against Manchester City, following an emotional tribute to Jota from the stands.

Portuguese magazine TV Guia published a photo of Neve and Rute with the caption:

“Ruben Neves and Rute together after death. How Diogo Jota’s wife leans on her best friend.”

The photo, which appears to be a hug and a kiss on the cheek, was interpreted in an unfair way and with bad connotations.

Neves, married to Debora Lourenco, reacted angrily on Instagram:

“I always believe in the good in people. I’ve been warned not to, I’ve been wrong, and I never wish harm on anyone.

He added:

*”The person who put this photo on the cover of the magazine does not deserve to be happy, just as their choice was not happy. My wife, Debora, and I have been together for over 11 years, happy, with a family that makes me proud, and we have never been part of any controversial news.”

“We have done everything to help Rute and her family in the best possible way. The choice of this photo is as unfortunate as the person who chose it and the one who published it. I respect that everyone has their own job, I respect that everyone will give their best, but I do not respect those who do not respect others. Once again, I am proud of the wife I have and the family I have. We are proud of Rute, for the strength she has shown; we are here for anything she needs, she knows how. Thank you.”*

Neves continues to remember Jota through a tattoo of them celebrating together on his leg and by wearing the number 21 Portugal shirt, a tribute to Jota’s jersey.

Coach Roberto Martinez has said that “the number will remain on the pitch and with all of us” and that Neves is “the ideal person to represent him.”