Cristiano Ronaldo speaks out about the reason for not attending Diogo Jota's funeral

(Dan Tri) - Cristiano Ronaldo said he chose not to attend Diogo Jota's funeral to avoid attracting too much attention and "turning the ceremony into a circus".

Liverpool and Portugal striker Diogo Jota, along with his brother André Silva, tragically died in a car crash in July. Many of his club and national team teammates were present at the funeral in Portugal, but Ronaldo was notably absent.

Cristiano Ronaldo hugs Joaquim Silva, father of late striker Diogo Jota, during a tribute to Jota and former footballer Jorge Costa, organised by the Portuguese Football Federation at Cidade do Futebol, in Oeiras, on the outskirts of Lisbon on September 2 (Photo: Getty).

Sharing in an interview with Piers Morgan, CR7 explained: “I get a lot of criticism, but that doesn't bother me. When your conscience is clear, you don't have to worry about what other people say. Since my father passed away, I never went to the cemetery again. With my reputation, wherever I appear, it becomes the center of attention - a real "circus". I don't want that to happen, especially at such a sensitive moment."

Ronaldo stressed that he wanted to keep the Jota family respectful and quiet: “I didn’t want to go there and be asked questions, take pictures, or make that moment a topic of discussion. Life can sometimes be like a circus, and I don’t want to be part of it. I feel at peace with my decision.”

Ronaldo faced mixed opinions when he was absent from Jota's funeral. Many people thought that, as captain of the Portuguese national team, he should have been there to see his former teammate off on his final journey. However, many people supported Ronaldo's decision, saying that his appearance could attract too much attention, cause noise and destroy the inherent solemnity of the ceremony.

At the funeral, Virgil van Dijk, Arne Slot and Andy Robertson led the Liverpool players. Veterans Jordan Henderson and James Milner were also present. From the Portuguese team, many teammates such as Bruno Fernandes sent their deepest condolences.

Diogo Jota has 49 caps for the national team, winning two Nations League titles, along with the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup with Liverpool.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/cristiano-ronaldo-len-tieng-ve-ly-do-khong-du-le-tang-diogo-jota-20251107082423195.htm