Cristiano Ronaldo Explains Skipping Diogo Jota's Funeral
Cristiano Ronaldo has addressed why he did not attend the funeral of his Portugal teammate Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car crash earlier this year. In an emotional interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo shared the reasons behind his decision, emphasizing his need to avoid turning the tragedy into a media spectacle.
Tragic Death of Diogo Jota and His Brother
Diogo Jota, 28, along with his brother André Silva, 26, passed away in a severe accident in north-western Spain on July 3, 2025. The loss deeply affected Portugal and the football community, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes worldwide.
Funeral and Public Reaction
A funeral service took place in Jota's hometown Gondomar, attended by family, teammates, and national officials. However, Ronaldo, the captain of the Portugal team, was noticeably absent. His absence stirred controversy and anger among fans and supporters who expected him to attend the ceremony for a teammate and fellow Portuguese player.
Ronaldo’s Perspective on His Absence
"I was in the gym with Gio when they sent me the message. It was very, very difficult for the country, for the family, for the teammates. A disaster."
Ronaldo explained that grief, memories of his late father, and the intense media pressure influenced his choice. He wanted to keep the situation private and avoid it becoming a media circus. Ronaldo expressed that he feels at peace with his decision to stay away.
Summary
Ronaldo chose to grieve privately and protect the memory of Jota without the media attention, a decision that, while controversial, reflects his personal way of coping with tragedy.
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