Cristiano Ronaldo has finally broken his silence on why he did not attend the funeral of his Portugal teammate Diogo Jota, who tragically lost his life in a car accident in Spain in July this year – a decision that drew both surprise and criticism from fans and media alike.
In an emotional interview with broadcaster Piers Morgan on his YouTube show, Ronaldo said that his absence was not out of indifference but out of respect. The Portuguese icon explained that he feared his presence would turn a solemn moment into a spectacle – something he wanted to avoid at all costs.
“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. But one of the things I don’t do? After my father died, I have never been to a cemetery again,” Ronaldo said.
“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,” he added.
‘Life is a circus’
Ronaldo’s words reflect the weight of fame that often turns even moments of mourning into media frenzies. He said that he wanted to protect Jota’s memory from such intrusion: “I don’t like it when you go to a sensitive moment to do interviews, to speak about him, to speak about football. C’mon guys, what is this? This shows how life is a circus 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.”
Following Jota’s passing, Ronaldo had shared a heartfelt tribute on X, expressing his grief and disbelief: “It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had gotten married. To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you.”
Jota’s death sent shockwaves through the football world. The 27-year-old forward, who made 49 appearances for Portugal since his debut in 2019, had been a key player for Liverpool, scoring 65 goals and providing 26 assists in 182 appearances since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020. He also played a pivotal role in helping the Reds to two Premier League titles, including in the 2024-25 season.