Controversy over the cover that hints at a relationship between Ruben Neves and Diogo Jota's widow: "Shame"

Ruben Neves, an Al Hilal footballer and one of Diogo Jota's best friends in the world of football, has been angered by the front cover of the Portuguese magazine TV Guia in which it is insinuated that he could have more than a friendship with the widow (Rute Cardoso) of the Liverpool player, who recently died at the age of 28 in a traffic accident in Spain.

Ruben Neves and Rute: United after death. How Diogo Jota's widow relies on her best friend

"Ruben Neves and Rute. United after death. How Diogo Jota's widow leans on her best friend," the magazine published on the cover along with a photo in which Ruben Neves and Rute Cardoso appear to be kissing.

The image was probably taken just before the couple hugged or kissed on the cheek.

Ruben Neves: "The person who put this photo on the cover of the magazine does not deserve to be happy"

Ruben Neves, who played with Diogo Jota at Porto and Wolverhampton, took to social media to hit out at the cover published by TV Guia.

The choice of this photo is as unfortunate as the person who chose it and the person who published it

Rúben Neves

"Good afternoon. I always believe in the good in people, I have already been warned not to do so, I have already made a mistake, and I never wish anyone harm," the footballer posted on Instagram.

Ruben Neves stressed that "the person who put this photo on the cover of the magazine does not deserve to be happy, just as the choice of the photo was not right."

I respect that everyone has their job, I respect that everyone wants to give their best, but I do not respect those who do not respect others

Rúben Neves

"My wife, Debora Lourenco, and I have been together for more than 11 years, happy, with a family that I am proud of, and in 11 years we have never been involved in any controversy. We have done our best to help Rute and her family in the best possible way," the footballer made clear.

Ruben Neves insisted that "the choice of this photo is as unfortunate as the person who chose it and the person who published it".

We are proud of Rute, for the strength she has shown, we are here for whatever is necessary, she knows it. Thank you

Rúben Neves

"I respect that everyone has their job, I respect that everyone wants to give their best, but I do not respect those who do not respect others," he criticized.

Ruben Neves, who tattooed an image of his friend Diogo Jota after his tragic death, said goodbye with a clear message: "Once again, I say that I am proud of the woman I have, of the family I have. We are proud of Rute, for the strength she has shown, we are here for whatever is necessary, she knows it. Thank you."

"No one who is even remotely human would allow something so shameful to come to light"

Cristiano Ronaldo's sister Katia Aveiro joins Ruben Neves in criticising magazine cover.

"When I was told, I didn't believe it until I saw it with my own eyes: they had sunk so low for money, not just so low, but to hell, because no one, I repeat, no one minimally human would do such a thing and allow something so shameful to come to light. Let justice be done, whatever it is, divine or human. Someday the bill will be paid... I'm ashamed... Ashamed to see, ashamed to witness and ashamed for our country, what a horror," he wrote.