Why Cristiano Ronaldo Didn't Attend Diogo Jota's Funeral? Portugal Captain's Sister Explains

Cristiano Ronaldo wasn't in attendance at Diogo Jota's funeral on Saturday. The Liverpool star was laid to rest in Gondomar, outside Porto, in the presence of a host of Liverpool and Portugal players.

Diogo Jota And His Brother Died In A Car Accident

Jota and his brother lost their lives in a devastating car crash near the city of Zamora after their car went off the road. The brothers were supposed to catch a boat to England as Jota was travelling to join Liverpool for pre-season. The heartbreaking incident occurred just weeks after Jota married his long-time partner Rute Cardoso. There hasn't been any confirmation regarding his death, but as per reports, a blown-out tyre might be the reason behind the fatal accident. Videos showed the car went up in flames and veered off the road.

Tributes have poured in from all around the world, and the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Virgil van Dijk, Ruben Neves, Joao Cancelo and Andy Robertson paid their last respect to the 28-year-old. Cristiano Ronaldo paid a heartfelt tribute but wasn't seen at the funeral on Saturday.

Also Read: Bruno Fernandes, Virgil van Dijk Lead As Liverpool And Portugal Players Mourn At Diogo Jota's Funeral

Why Cristiano Ronaldo Didn't Join Diogo Jota's Funeral

Now his sister Katia Aviero clarified that the Al-Nassr star didn't want to create a media hype surrounding his presence, as it happened during the death of their father. She shared a seriesr of Instagram stories in which she clarified, “When my father died, in addition to the pain of loss, we had to deal with a flood of cameras and curious people at the cemetery. And everywhere we went. And the attention was not what it is today,” she wrote. “They destroyed tombs, climbed wherever they could. It was total destruction in a cemetery, never seen before. No respect whatsoever. And it wasn't to pay homage.”

She further defended his brother. “Criticism for nothing. I repeat, nothing. A sick society. We all have families.”

Jota last featured in the UEFA Nations League final against Spain, and he replaced Pedro Neto at the stroke of the 105 minutes. Portugal went on to defeat Spain to lay their hand on their second Nations League title.

Also Read: Diogo Jota's Accident Video: Liverpool Star Diogo Jota's Last Moments Captured on Camera