Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has explained why he was unable to attend the funeral of Diogo Jota, who died alongside his brother Andre Silva in a car crash in Spain earlier this week.

Alisson, who has been team-mates with Jota at Liverpool since 2020, posted an emotional tribute on Instagram, revealing that he was separated by an ocean from ‘saying goodbye’ to someone he loved.

‘Usually, I post things that make sense, but today, nothing makes sense! Once again, an ocean separates me from “saying goodbye” to someone I love! But I know that I am well represented by my club mates!’ Alisson wrote, alongside a black and white photo of himself, his wife Natalia, Jota, Jota’s partner Rute and their children together.

‘To you, my friend @rutecfcardoso14, just know that you will never walk alone, we will be with you as soon as possible!’

Alisson described Jota — whose death came less than two weeks after he and Rute were married — as a ‘great friend, father and husband’ and added: ‘In a moment like this, all we can do is bow down before the Sovereignty of God, and receive grace and help in this time.’

He concluded his message by quoting the Bible passage Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, which speaks of there being a time for every purpose under heaven, including ‘a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to weep, and a time to laugh.’

Alisson Becker (left) has posted an emotional message after the death of Diogo Jota (right)

Liverpool keeper Alisson also posted a black and white photo of himself, Jota and their families

Alisson could not make it to Jota’s funeral but many other Liverpool stars past and present did

While Alisson could not be there in person, many of Jota’s Liverpool team-mates past and present attended the funeral service in Gondomar, Portugal, on Saturday.

Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Joe Gomez were among those who paid their respects, with Van Dijk and Robertson seen carrying floral tributes into the church.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot and several Portuguese internationals, including Bruno Fernandes, Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves, also attended, joining hundreds of mourners who lined the streets to honour Jota, who scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool and won the Premier League title with the club last season.

Jota was only 28 when he died. His brother was 25.