Ronaldo Explains Absence From Jota Funeral

Cristiano Ronaldo has disclosed the personal motive why he did not attend the funeral of his old teammate, Diogo Jota, who died in a tragic car crash earlier this year.

Jota and his brother Andre Silva were killed in July in Gondomar, their native town of Portugal. The funeral, which was only two days afterwards, was attended by a number of football personalities including Virgil van Dijk, a captain of Liverpool club, and Arne Slot, a manager. The absence of Ronaldo however attracted a lot of attention and speculation.

In an interview, the Al Nassr star player explained that he did not make the choice due to lack of respect but it was personal misery. “It was very sad. I talked to his family and condolenced them, he said. Since we lost the father in 2005, I have never visited a cemetery again.

Ronaldo justified such funerals by stating that he was reminded of painful memories of losing his father and his appearance could have distracted the family of Jota who was grieving. It has become a media circus wherever I turn, he said. I did not want to draw that type of attention.

The Portuguese legend that has made 32 appearances with Jota in the national team has referred to his colleague as a humble, hard-working and positive-minded spirit who made an indelible impression at Liverpool as well as in the dressing room of Portugal.

Jota appeared 182 times in Liverpool and won several trophies and helped his nation to win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

Ronaldo also concluded that he knows the criticism but his heart was at peace. People are allowed to criticise, but I know why, I know why, said he. At times, respecting a person and keeping his or her memory in silence is an honourable thing to do.