Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has revealed the heartbreaking reason why he will not be able to attend the funeral of his teammate and close friend Diogo Jota this Saturday morning in Gondomar, Portugal.
Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, tragically died in the early hours of Thursday in a car accident in the province of Zamora, Spain. According to preliminary investigations by Spanish police, their car suffered a tire blowout while overtaking and ended up off the road, then burst into flames. Witnesses who called the emergency services 1-1-2 reported that the vehicle was “completely engulfed in flames.”
Spain's Guardia Civil confirmed in an official statement that the victims were Diogo Jota and his brother Andre.
Diogo Jota's funeral is being held this morning in his hometown of Gondomar. In Portugal, it is customary for funerals to be held within 48 hours of death. The coffins of the two brothers have already been brought into the church, as the bells have been replaced by soft string music, and the grieving crowd has fallen into absolute silence to say their final goodbyes. The Portuguese Football Federation has confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will not be attending the ceremony.
Alisson's late message: "An ocean separates me from a farewell again"
Alisson, who played alongside Jota for five seasons at Liverpool and had formed a strong friendship with him, shared a touching tribute on social media. He posted a black and white photo of the two families together and wrote:
"Once again, an ocean separates me from saying 'goodbye' to someone I love! But I know I have been represented worthily by my teammates at the club."
"You, my friend Rute Cardoso [Jota's wife], I want you to know that you will never walk alone. We will be with you as soon as possible!"
Alisson also shared a passage from the Bible, from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, and added:
“At a time like this, all we can do is bow before the Sovereignty of God and accept grace and help at this time!
"I will remember Diogo as a great friend, father and excellent husband."
Liverpool honours Jota forever
Liverpool has honored Jota in a special way by retiring his number 20 shirt, while also making available a physical and digital book of condolences, which can be signed at Anfield stadium or online.
Many football and club figures are present at the funeral, including coach Arne Slot, captain Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, who have shared touching messages following the publication of the tragic news.
The farewell to Diogo Jota has shocked not only the football world, but also thousands of fans around the globe, who have lost not only a brilliant footballer, but also a loving and humble man.
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