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The news of the passing of Alisson Becker’s father in a swimming accident has been another reminder of how little football matters in the grand scheme of things. The tragedy comes on the back of the death of Jürgen Klopp’s mother, as the Liverpool’s struggles on the pitch increasingly pale in comparison to the heartbreak off it.
While the club has led offered its condolences to the 28-year-old and his grieving family, the extended Liverpool family has also been quick to rally around their friend and teammate. Current squad members Virgil Van Dijk and Adrian took to social media to express their support while former players such as Lucas Leiva and club legend Steven Gerrard posted words of encouragement as well.
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Muita força neste momento difícil !! @GoleiroMuriel e @Alissonbecker YNWA https://t.co/oR13FMHQJD
— Lucas Leiva (@LucasLeiva87) February 25, 2021
Well wishes have also poured in from around the world of football, proving that there are things bigger than a game. Manchester City and their manager Pep Guardiola expressed “heartfelt sympathies” to Alisson and his family while Manchester United stopper, David De Gea reinforced the notion of the goalkeeper’s union with his own condolences.
I and all of my colleagues and players at @ManCity send our heartfelt sympathies to @Alissonbecker and his family following the tragic and sudden death of his father.
— PepTeam (@PepTeam) February 25, 2021
We are all with you pic.twitter.com/mLG2noMpXO
— David de Gea (@D_DeGea) February 25, 2021
Brazilian club Fluminense, where Alisson’s brother Muriel is also a goalkeeper, as well as Alisson’s former team São Paulo joined sympathizers from even further afield in the commiserations, the latter extending “condolences and solidarity,” to the Becker family.
O Fluminense Football Club lamenta profundamente o falecimento de José Agostinho Becker, pai dos goleiros Muriel e Alisson. Desejamos toda a força aos amigos e familiares.
— Fluminense F.C. (@FluminenseFC) February 25, 2021
Com muito pesar, o São Paulo FC recebe a triste notícia da morte de José Agostinho Becker, pai dos goleiros Alisson e Muriel. Nossas condolências e solidariedade aos dois atletas e a seus familiares. Muita força e muita luz neste momento.
— São Paulo FC (@SaoPauloFC) February 25, 2021
Alisson expressed gratitude for the outpouring of goodwill in a statement in both Portuguese and English: “I would like to thank everyone for the messages and tributes to my beloved father. Our family feels loved by everyone. May God bless each one’s life.”
— Alisson Becker (@Alissonbecker) February 25, 2021
While Liverpool have reportedly approved the Brazilian returning home for funeral proceedings, it is unclear whether Alisson will be able leave due to the cruel reality posed by COVID-19 travel restrictions that prevented Klopp from attending his mother’s funeral in Germany.
YNWA, Alisson.