Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up about his absence from the funeral of his late Portugal teammate Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in a car accident alongside his brother André Silva in July. While many of Jota’s club and international teammates attended the ceremony, Ronaldo’s absence drew attention and speculation from fans and the media.
Speaking in an interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo clarified that his decision was deeply personal rather than dismissive. “People criticize me a lot. I don’t care about that,” he said. “When your conscience is good and free, you don’t have to worry about what people say.” His comments highlighted the balance between public expectations and private grief that global stars often struggle with.
Ronaldo explained that since the passing of his father, he has never visited a cemetery. For him, mourning is a private matter, one that doesn’t require a public display of emotion or presence. He stated clearly that his decision was made from respect, not avoidance.
Avoiding the Spotlight During Tragedy
The Portuguese icon revealed that he stayed away from the funeral to avoid turning the event into what he described as “a circus.” Acknowledging his massive global fame, Ronaldo said his presence would have drawn unwanted media attention and shifted focus away from honoring Jota’s life.
“When you know me and my reputation, wherever I go, it becomes a circus,” he said. “I don’t want that kind of attention during such a sensitive moment.” His concern was that reporters and cameras would focus on his actions instead of allowing Jota’s family and friends to grieve in peace.
Ronaldo expressed his frustration with how the modern media often exploits emotional moments. “I don’t like it when people use funerals to talk about football or to do interviews,” he added. “That’s not respect. That’s not who I am.” His words reflected his belief in maintaining dignity during moments of loss.
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Tributes from Teammates and Friends
Despite Ronaldo’s absence, tributes poured in for Jota from both Liverpool and Portugal teammates. Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, and manager Arne Slot led Liverpool’s delegation, while former Reds Jordan Henderson and James Milner also attended.
From the Portuguese side, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and several others traveled to pay their respects. Their attendance reflected the deep respect and affection the football community held for Jota. The forward had earned 49 caps for Portugal and was known for his humility and passion on the field.
Jota’s passing was mourned across football, with clubs and fans uniting in grief. His legacy as a hard-working, talented forward remains an inspiration to many young players in Portugal and beyond.
A Legacy Remembered Beyond the Game
Ronaldo ended his comments by reaffirming that he felt peace with his decision. “People can continue to criticize,” he said. “I felt good with my decision.” His words underlined his maturity and understanding that grief is personal and should not be dictated by public opinion.
Diogo Jota’s contributions to football—winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup with Liverpool, as well as helping Portugal claim two Nations League titles—cemented his place in the sport’s history.
For Ronaldo, his absence was not a sign of indifference but of deep respect. He chose to honor Jota quietly, away from cameras, showing that sometimes silence can be the most profound tribute of all. Also take advantage of your free time to explore more of the latest football news with just a click at footballcoasters.co.uk.