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Ruben Neves has hit back at Portuguese publication TV Guia after the magazine suggested he had developed a close relationship with Diogo Jota's wife, Rute Cardoso, following the tragic passing of the Liverpool forward.
The 28-year-old midfielder, who accompanied Cardoso to Molineux as Wolves paid tribute to Jota ahead of the Premier League curtain-raiser against Manchester City, voiced his disgust at an image featured on the magazine's front cover. TV Guia accompanied the photograph with the headline: "Ruben Neves and Rute United After Death. How Diogo Jota's widow leans on her best friend."
Neves, together with his wife Debora Lourenco, has been offering support to Cardoso, 28, and the Jota family following the car accident that took the life of Jota, 28.
Jota left behind three young children with his wife, whom he wed just weeks prior to the tragedy that also claimed the life of his younger sibling, Andre Silva, 25.
He delivered a forceful response to the article via Instagram, writing: "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.
"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.
"Once again, I'm proud of the woman I have, the family I have. We're proud of Rute, for the strength she's shown; we're here for whatever she needs, she knows how. Thank you."
Neves was based in the United States with Al-Hilal for the Club World Cup when Jota died.
Immediately following his side's 2-1 defeat to Fluminense in Orlando, he flew back to Porto alongside teammate Joao Cancelo to attend Jota's funeral, where he served as a pallbearer for his beloved friend.
He has since paid tribute to his closest friend with a poignant tattoo on his leg showing the pair together, which features Jota's No. 21 Portugal shirt.
At a ceremony organised by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) earlier this month, Neves remembered both Jota and former Porto captain Jorge Costa, who died aged 53 in August following a cardiac arrest.
"I and the entire national team team will do everything we can to keep Diogo here with us, on our team," Neves said. "Thank you, Jorge, and Diogo. Forever in our hearts."
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