Ruben Neves denies links to Jota's widow after magazine showed them 'kissing'

Diogo Jota's best friend and former team-mate Ruben Neves has furiously hit out at a Portuguese magazine after an image of him appearing to kiss the tragic Liverpool star's widow was splashed across its front page.

The football world went into mourning after Jota, 28, and his brother Andre tragically died in a car crash at the start of July.

Few have been rocked more by Jota's shock death than former Wolves captain Neves, who was pictured grieving at the funeral and last week unveiled a new leg tattoo of him hugging his late team-mate in an emotional tribute.

Neves, who has been in a committed relationship with his wife Debora Lourenco for over a decade, has acted a constant figure of support for Jota's widow Rute Cardoso and the rest of their family since the tragic incident.

Jota, who is survived by three children, married Rute just days before he and his brother were killed in the road crash.

On Wednesday, Portuguese magazine TV Guia wrote an article showing off the close relationship Neves has with Rute and the rest of Jota's family.

The article, which was given the headline, 'After death: How Diogo Jota's widow leans on his best friend', was accompanied by an image of Neves and Rute appearing to kiss.

The photograph was likely taken just before the pair shared an embrace or a kiss on the cheek.

Furious at the magazine for sparking romantic links between them, Neves took to social media on Wednesday and said in a lengthy statement: '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.'

In his furious statement, the Portuguese midfielder takes issue specifically with the photograph rather than the content of the article, which explores his friendship with Jota at length.

The former Wolves duo, who shared a keen interest in video games as well as football, held a deep and beautiful friendship according to the Portuguese outlet - who claim it serves as a legacy for Rute to cling on to after her husband's death.

Neves, who now plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal following his exit from Wolves in 2023, began dating his wife Deborah in 2014 before getting engaged four years later.

Jota and Neves played together for Porto, Wolves and Portugal, featuring on the pitch at the same time a total of 164 times.

Neves is also now set to wear Jota's shirt number for Portugal - 21 - in a decision he hopes will carry on his friend's legacy. Liverpool have retired Jota's No 20 shirt too.

The news was confirmed by Portugal boss Roberto Martinez, who said earlier this month: 'The No 21 jersey will go to Ruben Neves because, that way, that number will remain on the field and with all of us.

'He had a very close relationship with Diogo and is the ideal person to represent him.'

Neves also spoke at a special ceremony which was held at the start of September to celebrate Jota's life.

At the event, Neves delivered a speech, which also featured a video showing Neves reading a hand-written letter to Jota.

In the speech, a tearful Neves said: 'Everyone in the national team felt these words to the same extent and speaking as a group, I think they fit extremely well with what our first meeting will be like.

'More than friends, we're family. And that won't change just because you've signed a contract a little farther from home.

'When we join the national team, you'll still be with us - at the dinner table, on the bus, on the plane. Always by our side, just like you've always been.

'We'll keep laughing, making plans and sharing life the way we always have. We'll make sure you're never missing from our lives and that your loved ones have everything they need while you're away, thinking of us, waiting for us.

'Life brought us together and nothing can break that bond. We've already achieved so much together, and there's still so much more ahead and we know we'll make it.

'From today on, you'll step on to the pitch with us and we'll keep moving forward together on the stage where it all began.'