Cristiano Ronaldo’s Decision Regarding Diogo Jota’s Funeral
Cristiano Ronaldo recently addressed his decision to not attend the funeral of fellow footballer Diogo Jota, emphasizing that he wished to prevent the event from becoming a media spectacle. Tragically, Jota and his brother André Silva lost their lives in a car crash in July, prompting a significant outpouring of support and attendance from many of their compatriots and teammates.
Ronaldo’s Perspective on Media Attention
While several members of the Liverpool and Portugal teams paid their respects at the funeral in Portugal, Ronaldo’s absence stood out. In an interview with Piers Morgan, he stated,
“I choose to step away from situations like this to avoid drawing attention. After my father’s passing, I vowed never to visit a cemetery again. My presence tends to overshadow the moment.”
Ronaldo explained that though he often faces criticism, he remains unconcerned about public opinion when he feels justified in his choices.
“The media circus that surrounds me isn’t something I want to engage with during sensitive occasions,”
he added, indicating that he prefers to maintain his privacy and respect the gravity of such moments.
Attendance at the Funeral
The funeral was attended by numerous notable figures, including Liverpool stars like Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, and Arne Slot, alongside former players Jordan Henderson and James Milner. Fellow Portuguese national team member Bruno Fernandes was also present to honor Jota, who earned 49 caps for his country and achieved significant success with Liverpool, including titles in the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup, as well as two Nations League victories.
