logo
Diogo Jota's wife shares heartbreaking message on one-month wedding anniversary

Diogo Jota's wife shares heartbreaking message on one-month wedding anniversary

Metro4 days ago
Diogo Jota's wife has marked the pair's one-month wedding anniversary with a devastating message in which she declares her undying love for her late husband.
The 28-year-old Liverpool star and his brother, Andre Silva, 25, were both killed when their car crashed in Spain on July 3, news that shook the footballing world to its foundations.
Local police confirmed that the Lamborghini the two siblings were travelling in sustained a tyre blow out while overtaking another vehicle as it left the A-52 road in Zamora, in the northwest of the country.
Just 11 days earlier, Jota had married his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso, in Sao Cosme, in his home city of Porto, where they were surrounded by their closest friends and family, including Liverpool team-mates Andy Robertson and Caoimhin Kelleher.
Tragically, the Portugal international and his younger brother were buried at the same venue two days after their deaths.
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you.
In the intervening days and weeks, the global football community have united in paying their respects, with grief-stricken fans and players offering their condolences to friends, family and loved ones on social media.
This afternoon, Jota's partner, Rute, took to Instagram this afternoon for the first time since the fateful road traffic accident to share three pictures from the pair's wedding day, along with a moving 14-word message. https://www.instagram.com/p/DMahntPIkvZ/?img_index=1
'1 month of our 'until death do us part' [white love heart emoji],' she wrote.
'For ever, Your white girl [white love heart emoji].'
In the space of just an hour, the heart-wrenching post was liked over 200,000 times, with Jota's long-time partner receiving countless messages of love and support.
Earlier this month, Liverpool confirmed their plans to immortalise Jota by retiring the No.20 shirt in memory of the much-loved attacker, who played a key role as the club won the Premier League title last season.
The English champions are set to retire the number across all levels, including the academy and the women's team.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
A statement from Liverpool said: 'After consultation with his wife, Rute, and family, the club can announce the squad number will be retired in honour and memory of Diogo across all levels, including LFC Women and Academy.
'The move is recognition of not only the immeasurable contribution our lad from Portugal made to the Reds' on-pitch successes over the last five years, but also the profound personal impact he had on his teammates, colleagues and supporters and the everlasting connections he built with them.'
Liverpool CEO Michael Edwards added: 'As a club, we were all acutely aware of the sentiment of our supporters – and we felt exactly the same way.
'It was vitally important to us to involve Diogo's wife, Rute, and his family in the decision and to ensure they were the first to know of our intention.
'I believe this is the first time in Liverpool Football Club's history that such an honour has been bestowed upon an individual. Therefore, we can say this is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person.
'By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal – and therefore never to be forgotten.
'Diogo joined us in 2020, he won us number 20, and he wore – with honour, distinction and affection – the number 20. More Trending
'As far as Liverpool Football Club is concerned, he will be forever our number 20.'
Poignant tributes were made as Liverpool's players took to the field for the first time since Jota's passing for their pre-season clash with Preston North End earlier this month.
A live performance of You'll Never Walk Alone ahead of kick-off was accompanied by members of Arne Slot's first-team squad laying a wreath alongside Liverpool's away support at Deepdale.
A minute's silence was also observed, while both sets of players wore black armbands in memory of the two brothers.
MORE: Chelsea drop asking price by £22m for Manchester United to sign Christopher Nkunku
MORE: Viktor Gyokeres transfer to Arsenal 'imminent' after Manchester United snub
MORE: Granit Xhaka's agent speaks out on why he 'only wants' shock Premier League move
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Graffard ‘never had any doubts', as Calandagan shows his true colours
Graffard ‘never had any doubts', as Calandagan shows his true colours

Powys County Times

time7 minutes ago

  • Powys County Times

Graffard ‘never had any doubts', as Calandagan shows his true colours

If there was any doubt about Calandagan's resolution in a battle, then his King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes tussle with Kalpana firmly answered the question. Narrowly beaten in four top-level contests since scoring at Royal Ascot last summer, some had looked at the four-year-old's thirst for victory as a reason why the talented son of Gleneagles was yet to strike at the highest level. Francis-Henri Graffard never had any doubts and although relief may have been the overriding emotion when Calandagan opened his Group One account in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud last month, this was a moment of sweet vindication for the Aga Khan team who have stood steadfast behind their star middle-distance performer. 'I never had any doubts about his willingness to win and every time he has been beaten he has had excuses,' said Graffard. 'He was really far back in the Juddmonte International and he quickened really strongly, just too late, and in Dubai he again finished strongly when beaten by a very good horse. At Epsom, I had plenty of excuses, but I could never say it was because he didn't want to try. 'Mickael (Barzalona) knows him better now and he loves good ground and the mile-and-a-half distance. I think there can't be any more doubt about his willingness to win.' Having caused a 25-1 shock with Goliath 12 months ago, Graffard this time had the 11-10 favourite on his side and a horse who could quite rightfully class Ascot as his second home. A regular at British passport control, he once again displayed his liking for crossing the Channel, this time around taking home £850,650 after Barzalona delivered his mount with precision to deny Andrew Balding's top-class filly. Graffard added: 'I thought the filly might have got away and when she quickened I thought 'oh my god, I'm going to be beaten a neck again'. 'But Mickael said he was waiting and he really helped him to balance. He said the last 200 metres are long here and he knew he was going to catch her. 'The way he can quicken is very impressive, he's a very good horse and now we know whatever tactics the opposition have we can be competitive in these top races.' For Graffard, a second win in one of the season's key contests cements his position as one of the leading trainers in the world. Having shown himself to be a powerhouse on home soil, he is now proving it on the global stage, again displaying his willingness to venture into enemy territory and make a daring raid on the spoils. 'I love the sport and competition and when you have a top horse in good form, I think it is important to challenge yourself against the best possible opposition,' said Graffard. 'That is how you can really level-up the quality of your horses and English racing is so strong. I came to Royal Ascot with a really strong team of horses and left disappointed, so it is not easy. When you win, it makes it even more joyful. 'The season has been very strong for me so far, we're just starting the second half now and I've just had a week off to recharge and the stats have been very strong for the stable, so we need to keep bringing the winners and we are working very hard.' By emulating the achievement of countryman Maurice Zilber – trainer of 1973 and 1974 winner Dahlia – he has now done what many of his contemporaries, including even the great Andre Fabre, have so far failed to achieve. Dahlia and Zilber were of course thwarted in 'the race of the century' when seeking a King George hat-trick 50 years ago. But on the day next year's Ascot feature was boosted to a swelling £2million prize-pot, the lure of one of the sport's greatest races is sure to prove a tempting proposition once again. 'Hopefully. It's an amazing race and I'm not sure why it is not on the agenda for more horses and stables,' said Graffard when asked about seeking a third win in the race. 'It's a fantastic race and of course you don't just come for the prize-money. If my horses are in good form I would definitely come back again.'

Graffard ‘never had any doubts', as Calandagan shows his true colours
Graffard ‘never had any doubts', as Calandagan shows his true colours

South Wales Guardian

time7 minutes ago

  • South Wales Guardian

Graffard ‘never had any doubts', as Calandagan shows his true colours

Narrowly beaten in four top-level contests since scoring at Royal Ascot last summer, some had looked at the four-year-old's thirst for victory as a reason why the talented son of Gleneagles was yet to strike at the highest level. Francis-Henri Graffard never had any doubts and although relief may have been the overriding emotion when Calandagan opened his Group One account in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud last month, this was a moment of sweet vindication for the Aga Khan team who have stood steadfast behind their star middle-distance performer. 'I never had any doubts about his willingness to win and every time he has been beaten he has had excuses,' said Graffard. 'He was really far back in the Juddmonte International and he quickened really strongly, just too late, and in Dubai he again finished strongly when beaten by a very good horse. At Epsom, I had plenty of excuses, but I could never say it was because he didn't want to try. 'Mickael (Barzalona) knows him better now and he loves good ground and the mile-and-a-half distance. I think there can't be any more doubt about his willingness to win.' Having caused a 25-1 shock with Goliath 12 months ago, Graffard this time had the 11-10 favourite on his side and a horse who could quite rightfully class Ascot as his second home. A regular at British passport control, he once again displayed his liking for crossing the Channel, this time around taking home £850,650 after Barzalona delivered his mount with precision to deny Andrew Balding's top-class filly. Graffard added: 'I thought the filly might have got away and when she quickened I thought 'oh my god, I'm going to be beaten a neck again'. 'But Mickael said he was waiting and he really helped him to balance. He said the last 200 metres are long here and he knew he was going to catch her. 'The way he can quicken is very impressive, he's a very good horse and now we know whatever tactics the opposition have we can be competitive in these top races.' For Graffard, a second win in one of the season's key contests cements his position as one of the leading trainers in the world. Having shown himself to be a powerhouse on home soil, he is now proving it on the global stage, again displaying his willingness to venture into enemy territory and make a daring raid on the spoils. 'I love the sport and competition and when you have a top horse in good form, I think it is important to challenge yourself against the best possible opposition,' said Graffard. 'That is how you can really level-up the quality of your horses and English racing is so strong. I came to Royal Ascot with a really strong team of horses and left disappointed, so it is not easy. When you win, it makes it even more joyful. 'The season has been very strong for me so far, we're just starting the second half now and I've just had a week off to recharge and the stats have been very strong for the stable, so we need to keep bringing the winners and we are working very hard.' By emulating the achievement of countryman Maurice Zilber – trainer of 1973 and 1974 winner Dahlia – he has now done what many of his contemporaries, including even the great Andre Fabre, have so far failed to achieve. Dahlia and Zilber were of course thwarted in 'the race of the century' when seeking a King George hat-trick 50 years ago. But on the day next year's Ascot feature was boosted to a swelling £2million prize-pot, the lure of one of the sport's greatest races is sure to prove a tempting proposition once again. 'Hopefully. It's an amazing race and I'm not sure why it is not on the agenda for more horses and stables,' said Graffard when asked about seeking a third win in the race. 'It's a fantastic race and of course you don't just come for the prize-money. If my horses are in good form I would definitely come back again.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store