Liverpool icon, Ian Rush, has shared the reason behind his absence at the funeral of late forward Diogo Jota, who tragically died alongside his brother, Andre, in a car crash in Spain last Thursday.
The brothers were laid to rest over the weekend in their hometown of Gondomar, Portugal.
The emotional ceremony drew tributes from numerous football stars, including teammates from both Liverpool and the Portuguese national team.
Despite receiving an invitation, Rush was notably absent. Taking to Instagram, he explained his reason, “Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre.
“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 was not able to make it.
“This heartbreaking accident claimed both Diogo and his brother, André Silva. We grieve deeply for them both.”
Rush’s message resonated with fans and the football community, as he paid heartfelt tribute to the young forward and his brother amid his own personal loss.