Ronaldo defends himself as absence from Pele funeral sparks controversy

2023-01-12 18:46

Ronaldo defends himself as absence from Pele funeral sparks controversy


Brazil's fourth and fifth World Cup champions collectively absent from Pele's funeral caused huge controversy in Brazil. Ronaldo, one of them, justified his absence from Pele's funeral on Wednesday live.


Ronaldo claimed in a live stream that he was enjoying a family holiday in Punta Cana when Pele died.


"After the World Cup there was a party. I took a week or so off and went to Punta Cana with my kids. It was great to be disconnected. I barely used my phone and just enjoyed my time with my family. During that time, our king died. But I was on vacation with my family somewhere far away and I couldn't go alone," he said.


"I've had messages from close friends and even Pele's work team who are constantly in touch with my team. I'm sad but I understand that moment ... the moment of death."


"He has had this disease for several years. No one wanted him to die, but... anyway, he can finally rest in peace," Ronaldo concluded. "His last years were very difficult for him, he excluded from any activity."