Cristiano Ronaldo Explains Why He Did Not Attend Diogo Jota’s Funeral

Cristiano Ronaldo has said he chose not to attend the funeral of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota to avoid turning the occasion into “a circus.”

Jota and his brother André Silva tragically died in a car accident in Portugal in July. While several of Jota’s club and international teammates attended the funeral, Ronaldo’s absence drew public attention and criticism.

In an interview with Piers Morgan, the Al Nassr forward explained that his decision was made out of respect for Jota and his family.

“Two things; people criticise me a lot. I don’t care about that. When your conscience is good and free, you don’t have to worry about what people say,” Ronaldo said.

“But one of the things I don’t do? After my father died, I have never been to a cemetery again.

“When you know me and you know my reputation? Wherever I go, it is a circus.

“I don’t go out because, if I go, the attention goes to me. I don’t want this sort of attention.

“I don’t like it when you go to a sensitive moment to do interviews, to speak about him, to speak about football.

“This shows how a circus is life, sometimes. I am not a part of that. If you want to be a part of this world, good luck, but I will be a part of another side.

“People can continue to criticise. I felt good with my decision.”

Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, Arne Slot, and Andy Robertson led the team’s delegation at the funeral, while former teammates Jordan Henderson and James Milner also attended.

Several members of Portugal’s national squad, including Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes, were also present to pay their respects.

Jota earned 49 caps for Portugal, helping his country win the UEFA Nations League twice. At club level, he won the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup with Liverpool.