Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has taken to Instagram to explain his absence from the funeral of team-mate Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash in Spain earlier this week alongside his brother Andre Silva.
The Brazilian keeper posted an emotional tribute revealing he was "separated by an ocean" from attending the service.
"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.
Jota and his 25-year-old brother Andre died in the tragic accident, leaving behind grieving families and team-mates.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has taken to Instagram to explain his absence from the funeral of team-mate Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash in Spain earlier this week alongside his brother Andre Silva
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Alisson shared a black and white photograph of himself with his wife Natalia, Jota, Jota's partner Rute and their children together.
He addressed his message directly to Jota's widow, writing: "To you, my friend @rutecfcardoso14, just know that you will never walk alone, we will be with you as soon as possible!"
The goalkeeper described Jota, who had married Rute less than two weeks before his death, as a "great friend, father and husband".
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He 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."
Alisson concluded his heartfelt message by quoting Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, the biblical passage that 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".
Whilst the Brazilian goalkeeper could not attend in person, numerous Liverpool team-mates past and present travelled to Gondomar, Portugal, for Saturday's funeral service.
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Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Joe Gomez were amongst those who paid their respects.
Van Dijk and Robertson were seen carrying floral tributes into the church. Manager Arne Slot and several Portuguese internationals, including Bruno Fernandes, Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves, also attended the service.
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Hundreds of mourners lined the streets to honour the Liverpool forward, who had been a key player for the club since joining in 2020.
Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool and played a role in their Premier League title victory last season.
Diogo Jota was laid to rest on Saturday morning after the Liverpool star tragically died in a car crash
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The Portuguese international's death has sent shockwaves through the football community, with team-mates past and present gathering to pay their final respects.
The tragedy marks a devastating loss for Liverpool, who have lost not only a talented player but also a beloved member of their squad.