Jota died on July 3 in a car accident along with his brother Andre Silva. The Liverpool striker was only 28 and left behind a wife and three children. A shock wave went through the football world, the whole of Portugal was in mourning. Also CR7, his teammate on the national team.
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“I was in the gym when I heard the news,” Ronaldo answered Morgan’s first question. “I didn’t believe it at first. I cried a lot. It was a difficult moment for our country, its family, friends and teammates. Really sad. It made me realize even more that I have to enjoy every moment and that I should not worry too much about the future. Because it could just be over.”
Cristiano Ronaldo about Diogo Jota’s funeral
Striking: Ronaldo did not attend Jota’s funeral. “People often criticize me. I don’t worry about that anymore. But I have never been to a cemetery since my father died. Everywhere I go it becomes a circus. Attention is always drawn to me. People would come to me for interviews about football or in this case about Diogo…”
Ronaldo continues: “Come on guys, what is that? Even if you invite me to your birthday, for example, it becomes a hassle. Everyone wants photos or autographs. I felt good about that decision. I didn’t have to be in the spotlight there, that was also better for the family. I did talk to them and support them,” said Ronaldo.
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Jota has already been honored at Liverpool and the Portugal national team. “We still feel some kind of aura with the national team, because Diogo was really one of us. He was a good, calm boy. A good player too. He didn’t talk very much, but he was always on the right wavelength,” said Ronaldo.