In a deeply personal and emotional revelation, football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has broken his silence about why he chose not to attend the funeral of his Portugal teammate Diogo Jota's father earlier this year.
The Heartbreaking Decision
The Al-Nassr forward, known for his close bonds with national team colleagues, explained that his absence stemmed from painful memories of losing his own father, Jose Dinis Aveiro, to alcohol-related liver issues in 2005. "It's something that still affects me deeply," Ronaldo confessed during an intimate interview.
A Father's Lasting Legacy
Ronaldo's voice reportedly wavered as he reflected on his relationship with his late father, who passed away when the footballer was just 20 years old. "My father was my rock, my biggest supporter from the beginning," he shared. "The pain of that loss never truly leaves you."
Supporting Jota in Different Ways
Despite his physical absence at the funeral services, Ronaldo emphasized that he reached out to the Liverpool forward privately. "I spoke with Diogo, I sent my condolences," he revealed. "Sometimes support comes in different forms, and I wanted to be there for him in a way that was genuine and meaningful."
The Weight of Personal Trauma
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner explained that funeral settings trigger overwhelming emotions connected to his father's passing. "These situations bring back everything - the memories, the pain, the sense of loss," Ronaldo admitted. "It's a personal battle that I'm still navigating."
Football Family Understanding
Sources close to the Portugal camp indicate that Jota understood and respected his captain's decision. The football community has largely shown support for Ronaldo's candid explanation, highlighting the importance of mental health and personal boundaries even among sporting legends.
This revelation offers a rare glimpse into the personal struggles behind one of football's most public figures, reminding fans that even global superstars face deeply human challenges when confronting grief and loss.
