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Cristiano Ronaldo Explains Absence From Diogo Jota’s Funeral, Citing Personal Vow and Avoiding Spectacle

He says he chose private contact with the family to keep focus on their grief.

Overview

  • In a Nov. 6 interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo said he has avoided cemeteries since his father’s death and therefore did not attend.
  • He argued his presence would have drawn cameras and attention away from Diogo Jota’s family and said he felt comfortable with his decision.
  • Ronaldo said he spoke with Jota’s relatives in private and recalled crying when he learned of the July tragedy.
  • Jota and his brother died after a tyre blowout caused their car to leave the A-52 in Spain; a funeral in Gondomar days later drew teammates, as criticism of Ronaldo grew after yacht photos surfaced.
  • Ronaldo attended a national-team memorial for Jota in September, and tributes continue, including Liverpool fans’ 20th‑minute applause at Anfield.