Cristiano Ronaldo Speaks Out on Not Attending Diogo Jota's Funeral
Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo was noticeably absent from the funeral of late Portugal star Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident earlier this year. Ronaldo has addressed criticism over his decision, explaining his reasons and defending his conscience.
Background on Diogo Jota's Death
Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva passed away in a fatal car crash in July, prompting grief across the football community. Several of Jota’s club and national teammates attended the funeral, but Ronaldo did not.
Ronaldo's Explanation in Interview
In an extensive interview with Piers Morgan, the 40-year-old star revealed he has not visited a cemetery since his father's death and chose to skip Jota's funeral to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
“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. 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."
“I don’t like it when you go to a sensitive moment to do interviews, to speak about him, to speak about football. This shows how a circus is life, sometimes. 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."
Ronaldo’s Perspective on Privacy
- He values his conscience and does not feel pressured by public criticism.
- Choosing not to attend was also to avoid turning a sensitive occasion into a media spectacle.
- His avoidance of cemeteries stems from personal grief connected to his father's passing.
Ronaldo's statements highlight his struggle to maintain privacy amid public and media scrutiny during delicate times.
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