On the eve of Scotland’s crunch World Cup qualifier against Denmark on November 18, Robertson told reporters that the only emotion he was feeling ahead of the game at Hampden was “excitement”. Nothing could have been further from the truth, though.
Robertson was “in bits” emotionally and spent the entire build-up hiding his real feelings from his team-mates. It was only in the immediate aftermath of Scotland’s sensational 4-2 win that the captain was able to open up.
“I couldn’t get my mate Diogo Jota out of my head today,” he confessed to BBC Sport. “We spoke so much about going to the World Cup because he missed the last one with Portugal and I did, too, with Scotland. So, I know he’ll be smiling over me today.”
Robertson’s admission moved the entire football world, and Cardoso was incredibly touched by the fact that beating Denmark meant so much more to the left-back than sending five million compatriots into a state of delirium by securing Scotland a spot at the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998. Above all else, it was about two friends and their shared dream coming true.
“When I heard your words and learned what you felt on that day Scotland qualified for the World Cup after so many years of waiting, I realised that Diogo never truly left the pitch,” Cardoso wrote in a letter to Robertson.
“By achieving that moment and securing your place at the World Cup, you won’t be going alone; you’ll be taking his dream with you too. And when you step onto the pitch, I know that it won’t just be you walking. Diogo will be with you, in your thoughts, in your steps, in your heart.
“So, today I want to thank you. Thank you for not forgetting him. Thank you for taking him with you. Thank you for turning the pain of loss into strength and something so beautiful. That’s how we do it here at home, too, every day.
“He would be, and is, incredibly proud of you. Cherish that dream, Andy. Live it for yourself, and for him.”
