Cristiano Ronaldo Reflects on Diogo Jota’s Funeral Absence

Cristiano Ronaldo recently addressed his absence from the funeral of Diogo Jota, stating that he chose not to attend in order to avoid turning the event into ‘a circus.’ Jota, a forward for Liverpool and the Portugal national team, tragically passed away in a car accident in July, along with his brother André Silva.

While some of Jota’s club and international teammates were present, Ronaldo was notably missing. In an interview with Piers Morgan, he elaborated on his decision, saying, ‘Two things—people criticize me a lot. I don’t care about that. When your conscience is clear and free, you don’t have to worry about what people say.’

He continued, ‘After my father died, I have never been back to a cemetery. Knowing my reputation, wherever I go, it becomes a spectacle. I avoid situations where the focus shifts to me, especially during such sensitive moments.’

Ronaldo expressed his discomfort with the media’s tendency to sensationalize personal tragedies, stating, ‘I don’t appreciate going to a sensitive moment just to conduct interviews or discuss football. This illustrates how life can sometimes be a circus. I prefer to remain on the periphery of that world.’

Ultimately, he concluded, ‘People will continue to criticize, but I feel at peace with my choice.’