Cristiano Ronaldo chose not to attend the funeral of his teammate in the national team Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva.
His absence made the headlines and aroused speculation. According to some information, the Al-Nassr striker has preferred to mourn in private and would have personally contacted the bereaved family.
According to the Portuguese media in Bola, Ronaldo spoke directly with Jota's partner, Rute Cardoso, and was also in contact with Jota's parents. Al-Nassr's decision not to go to the funeral was considered the “best option” because its presence would have attracted “excessive attention” at a time when discretion was in order. His gesture aimed to show his empathy and his solidarity without triggering a media frenzy which would have been “more harmful than beneficial”.
CR7 chose not to attend the funeral of his teammate in the national team Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva.
If Ronaldo was held away, many colleagues close to Jota within the Portuguese national team were present to say goodbye.
A “more harmful than beneficial” presence.
Rúben Neves and João Cancelo have made a long trip from the United States, arriving shortly after the elimination of Al Hilal from the World Cup of Clubs against Fluminense. Manchester City Bernardo Silva midfielder and the lateral rear of Manchester United Diogo Dalot, who both shared the ground with JOTA for Portugal, also attended the ceremony at the Igreja Matriz in Gondomar.
The Liverpool team was also present, although goalkeeper Alisson did not attend the ceremony, but sent a message to the family. He wrote on Instagram: ”
Usually, I post things that make sense, but today, nothing makes sense! Once again, an ocean prevents me from “saying goodbye” to someone I love! But I know that my teammates represent me well! To you, my friend @rutecfcardoso14, know that you will never walk alone, we will be with you as soon as possible! In a moment like this, all we can do is tilt to the sovereignty of God and receive his grace and help! I will remember Diogo as a great friend, a father and a great husband! »»
Roberto Martinez, the coach of the Ronaldo national team, was present at the ceremony to pay tribute and said that Jota and his brother “will always be with us”. He added: “Today we have shown that we are a very large family, but a very united family. We are Portugal, and it was essential for us, Andre Silva and Diogo Jota, to be together. »»
