Cristiano Ronaldo, in his latest interview with Piers Morgan, has revealed why he did not attend the burial of Diogo Jota.
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed the emotional reasons behind his decision not to attend the funeral of his former teammate, Jota.
Speaking candidly about the situation, the Portuguese superstar explained that his absence was driven by deeply personal feelings and a desire to avoid unnecessary attention during a sensitive moment.
“Not attending Jota’s funeral? Two reasons,” Ronaldo said. “After my father died, I have never been at a cemetery again. Secondly, if you know me, wherever I go it will become a circus. The attention would go to me, and I didn’t want that to happen.”
Portugal and the football world continue to mourn the loss of Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident in Spain on July 3, 2025. The 28-year-old forward, who played for Liverpool and the Portuguese national team, was reportedly travelling with his brother, André Silva, when their vehicle collided with a truck on a highway near Seville. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Jota’s untimely passing sent shockwaves through the football community, with tributes pouring in from teammates, clubs, and fans across the globe. Liverpool described him as “a player loved by all, and a person who embodied humility, hard work, and passion.” The Portuguese Football Federation also released a heartfelt statement, calling Jota “a true professional and a proud representative of the national colors.”
Among those deeply affected was Cristiano Ronaldo, Jota’s longtime international teammate. The Al Nassr forward expressed his sorrow on social media, saying, “It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married. To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world.”