Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves has hit out with a lengthy statement after a magazine hinted that he had grown close to Diogo Jota's widow.
Late Liverpool star Jota died tragically in a car crash with brother Andre Silva in the Spanish province of Zamora in July, leaving the football world in complete and utter shock.
The car suffered a tyre blowout and then caught fire, with the brothers pronounced dead shortly after.
11 days prior to his passing, Jota had tied the knot with Rute Cardoso, his long-term partner and mother of his three children,.
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The joint funeral took place in their hometown just days after the tragedy.
Liverpool and Portugal players were in attendance and Neves went to extreme lengths to honour his friend, who he also played with at Wolves.
He and Joao Cancelo played for Al Hilal in a Club World Cup game against Fluminense before jetting out to attend the funeral, with Neves carrying the coffin.
He returned to Molineux alongside Rute for Wolves' first game of the Premier League season against Manchester City, watching from the stands as an emotional tribute to Jota took place.
While the article itself did not appear to have anything untoward, Portuguese magazine TV Guia published a picture of Neves and Rute, with the caption, "Ruben Neves and Rute United After Death. How Diogo Jota's widow leans on her best friend".
The image appeared to show what was likely an embrace and kiss on the check but had a cruel and sinister spin put on it.
Neves, who is married to wife Debora Lourenco, issued a furious response to the magazine in a comment on Instagram and said he doesn't "respect those who don't respect others" as he praised Rute for her strength.
"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," he wrote.
"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 continues to remember Jota through a tattoo of them celebrating on his leg, and by wearing the No.21 for Portugal as a nod to Jota's jersey.
Manager Roberto Martinez said the "number will remain on the field and with all of us" and that Neves is "the ideal person to represent him".
Topics: Ruben Neves, Portugal, Liverpool
Josh Lawless