In the second part of Piers Morgan’s exclusive interview with Cristiano Ronaldo, the conversation first turned to Diogo Jota—
I want to talk about something very sad: your Portuguese teammate Jota has passed away. Where were you when you heard the news?
I was resting. It was morning, and I was at the gym. I… I… I couldn’t believe it when they sent me the message.
I… I cried for a long time. Georgina can tell you it’s true. I think it was a very, very difficult time for everyone—for the Portuguese national team, his family, teammates, and friends.
He was only 28, and his career at Liverpool was so promising…
So that’s what I told you before: enjoy the present as much as possible and don’t plan too far ahead, because you never know whether tomorrow or an accident will come first.
So that’s… my team can tell you, even before Jota passed away, and before my child was stillborn, I made it clear that I wouldn’t plan too far ahead. Enjoy the moment, enjoy life, don’t overthink.
We still remember the feeling of putting on that national team jersey when reporting for duty, because Jota will always be with us.
What kind of person was he?
He was a very, very good person—quiet, and a great player. He wasn’t a… how to say, not a person who talked much. He was more of a levelheaded person. (Morgan helped him with the word: calm)
I loved meeting Jota and spending good times with him, so… it’s really sad. I had the chance to communicate with his family and offer them as much help as possible because… his passing is truly devastating.
You didn’t attend his funeral. Your sister said you didn’t want to disturb the funeral with your attention. Is that true?
Two things. First, people criticize me a lot, but I don’t care because I know who I am, so you can ignore that.
But one thing: since my father passed away, I haven’t attended anyone’s funeral.
Second, you know me—you know my fame. Wherever I go, there are crowds of people around. One reason I didn’t go is that if I had, all the attention would have been on me, and I didn’t want that to happen.
Also, I saw— and I’m not criticizing anyone, I just don’t like it— that in some sensitive moments, you have to do interviews, talk about him (Jota), talk about football. Come on guys, what is this? Why?
You know, this show might be part of life, but I don’t want to do it. If you want to, good luck to you, I’ll be on the other side.
People can keep criticizing me and my decisions, but I think my decision is the right one.
I don’t need to stand in the front row for everyone to say “Oh, Ronaldo is here.” No, no, I don’t want that. I plan what I need to do, and I think about his family. I don’t need to be in the spotlight.
I do it privately, guys. I feel more comfortable that way. But they’ll use my name for publicity, for PR—okay. But if you want to enjoy your own birthday, don’t invite me. It will turn into a mess.
