'This person doesn't deserve to be happy': Ruben Neves slams magazine for questioning relationship with Diogo Jota's wife

Ruben Neves has issued a strong response to a Portuguese magazine TV Guia after they published a story suggesting an inappropriate relationship between him and Rute Cardoso, the widow of his former teammate Diogo Jota. The magazine's front page featured a story about Neves supporting Cardoso following Jota's death, displaying a photo of them together with a caption implying they were "united after death."Neves, who has been married to Debora Lourenco since 2014, expressed his disappointment with the magazine's coverage through a public statement. The story emerged after Neves had been publicly supporting Cardoso following the tragic death of Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car accident, which occurred shortly after Jota's wedding to Cardoso.

The magazine TV Guia published the story with a front page featuring an image of Neves and Cardoso standing close together, accompanied by the headline suggesting Jota's widow was leaning on her "best friend" Neves.Neves responded to the publication with a statement expressing his disapproval: "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.

"

The footballer continued his statement addressing the support he and his wife provided to Cardoso: "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."Neves and Jota shared a close friendship both on and off the pitch. Following Jota's passing, Neves demonstrated his respect for his late teammate by choosing to wear the number 21 shirt for Portugal's national team, which was previously worn by Jota during international matches.

Neves's relationship with his wife Debora Lourenco spans over a decade. The couple, who began dating in 2014 and got engaged in 2018, have three children together named Margarida, Martim, and Mateo. Lourenco has consistently shown support for her husband throughout his career, including his recent move to Saudi Arabia in 2023.