Cristiano Ronado and Diogo Jotas burial beef official statement
Reason Why I Didn’t Attend Diogo Jota’s Funeral Cristiano Ronaldo finally opens up?
A devastating car accident on July 3 claimed the lives of Diogo Jota’s brother, André Silva, and himself, sending shockwaves throughout the football community.
As the world paid its respects, a notable absence was observed at the July 5 funeral in Gondomar, Portugal – Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s national team captain, was not in attendance.
Why Was Cristiano Ronaldo Absent?
According to reports from Portuguese media outlets, Ronaldo deliberately chose not to attend the funeral to avoid drawing unnecessary media attention, which could have detracted from the intimate and solemn nature of the ceremony.
The football star reportedly reached out directly to Jota’s wife, Rute, and his parents to offer condolences and explain his decision.
Both parties agreed that Ronaldo’s presence would have shifted the focus from the family’s grief to a media spectacle.
Family’s Response to Ronaldo’s Decision
Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister, Katia Aveiro, later spoke publicly about the decision, referencing their own experience with their father’s passing in 2005.
She explained that their family’s grief was overshadowed by the intense media attention surrounding Cristiano’s presence at the time.
To avoid a similar situation, they believed it was more respectful for Ronaldo to mourn privately, allowing the family to focus on their loss without distraction.
How Did Ronaldo Pay Tribute as his team mate?
Although Ronaldo did not attend the funeral, he expressed his sorrow through a heartfelt social media post, paying tribute to Diogo Jota and offering strength to the family.
Additionally, reports suggest that he provided private support, staying in touch with those closest to the late footballer and offering his assistance in any
way possible.
