Cristiano Ronaldo revealed that he chose not to attend the funeral of Diogo Jota in order to prevent it from becoming “a circus.”
The Liverpool and Portugal forward, along with his brother André Silva, tragically lost their lives in a car accident in July.
While some of their club and national teammates were present at the funeral in Portugal, Ronaldo notably did not attend.
In an interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo explained his absence: “There are two reasons; people often criticize me, but I don’t concern myself with that. When your conscience is clear, you don’t have to worry about others’ opinions.
“However, one thing I’ve avoided? Since my father’s passing, I haven’t returned to a cemetery.
“When you’re in my position, wherever I go, it becomes a spectacle.
“I refrain from going out because if I do, the focus shifts to me. I don’t want that kind of attention.
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“I dislike it when sensitive moments become an opportunity for interviews or discussions about him and football.
“It illustrates how life can sometimes feel like a circus. I choose not to be part of that. If others wish to be involved in that world, that’s up to them; I prefer a different path.
“People can keep criticizing. I’m at peace with my decision.”
Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, Arne Slot, and Andy Robertson led the team in paying their final respects at Jota’s funeral.
Former teammates like Jordan Henderson and James Milner also attended.
Jota’s fellow Portuguese teammates, including Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, came to pay their respects as well.
Jota earned 49 caps for Portugal and won the Nations League twice.
He also celebrated victories in the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup with Liverpool.