Cristiano Ronaldo has defended his decision to miss the funeral of Liverpool footballer and Portugal teammate Diogo Jota.

Jota was killed in a car crash in July at the age of 28. His brother, Andre Silva, also died in the accident.

A title winner with Liverpool last season, Jota was a key and popular player at Anfield, making 182 appearances for the Reds.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot and a number of Jota’s club teammates attended a joint-funeral for the brothers in Portugal.

Several of Jota’s international teammates, including Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, were also in attendance but Portugal legend Ronaldo decided not to attend.

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Ruben Neves was playing for Al-Hilal in the Club World Cup in the United States when Jota died b

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