Liverpool legend Ian Rush has revealed his own tragic reason for missing the funeral of Diogo Jota, despite being invited to the proceedings.
Jota, along with brother Andre Silva, tragically passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning in a fatal car crash as the pair made their way back to the UK for the start of Liverpool’s pre-season.
The accident came just two weeks after Jota had married his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso, 28, who is also the mother to their three children.
A ceremony was held in Jota’s hometown in Portugal, which saw many footballing stars attend the event, such as Bruno Fernandes and Ruben Neves, along with the Liverpool squad.
Diogo Jota and Andre Silva's funeral was held in their home town in Portugal on Saturday
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Rush, Liverpool’s record goalscorer, did not make the ceremony as a result of his own grievance that he is currently battling.
The 63-year-old took to Instagram to explain his absence, writing: “At Liverpool we have always regarded ourselves as one big family. Now one of our family has gone, so we all have to join together and help one another. The last few days have shown that.
“I was invited and intended to attend Diogo’s funeral, but my brother Gerald had passed away last week, I was in the middle of helping with Gerald’s funeral when the news broke about Diogo. It’s been an incredibly difficult time, and I just wasn’t able to make it.
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Ian Rush scored 339 goals across his two spells at Liverpool
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“He hadn’t been well for a while, but like with Diogo, it hasn’t really sunk in yet.”
The Merseyside legend then went on to, like many, testify to Jota’s genuine “special” qualities and send his condolences to his wife, Rute Cardoso.
He continued: “Diogo’s wife, Rute, their three wonderful children, his parents, and extended family are enduring an unimaginable loss. This heartbreaking accident claimed both Diogo and his brother, André Silva. We grieve deeply for them both.
“Diogo was a great player, probably the best natural finisher at the club. He always gave 100 per cent. He would make a difference whether he started or came on as a substitute. He would never dominate the headlines and that was the same off the pitch.
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“He was a real down to earth person, a real gent. He just got on with things. He will be sadly missed for the special person he was as much as for what he did on a football field for Liverpool and Portugal.”
He concluded: “I believe when someone dies you get on with things and it’s only a few weeks later that the full extent of the awful loss gets you.
"You know you have to get on with life but that’s hard. Diogo will never be forgotten because he has embraced everything Liverpool.
“Our lad from Portugal. Forever”
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With Rush revealing the sad passing of his brother in recent weeks, players such as Robbie Fowler and Robbie Keane were quick to send their condolences to the Welshman.
The tragic accident involving Jota sent shockwaves through the footballing world, and brought clubs together in solidarity during a time of grievance and mourning for the club, fans and, most importantly, Jota and Silva’s family.
Players such as Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe have been seen dedicating their goals at the ongoing Club World Cup to the Liverpool star, with the former performing Jota’s infamous video-game stunt after scoring for Paris Saint-Germain.
Local rivals Everton have been ever-present at the tributes outside Anfield, with David Moyes recently making an appearance.
Everton captain Seamus Coleman was also rumoured to have visited the area late at night, with one Liverpool fan claiming he said that he paid tribute during unsociable hours as he “wanted to pay my respects on my own without any cameras”.
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