Diogo Jota: Liverpool legend reveals tragic reason for missing forward's funeral

Liverpool legend Ian Rush has revealed he was unable to attend Diogo Jota's funeral due to the recent passing of his brother, Gerald.

Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva, 25, tragically died in a car crash in northern Spain, just 11 days after the former Liverpool forward’s wedding. 

The devastating news shocked the football world, with the Liverpool team, manager Arne Slot, and many Portuguese teammates attending the funeral in Portugal.

Rush, Liverpool's all-time leading goalscorer, explained on Instagram that while he was invited and intended to attend Jota's service, he was simultaneously assisting with his brother Gerald's funeral preparations. 

He expressed profound sorrow for both losses, acknowledging the grief the late player's wife, children and family are enduring.

“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,” Rush’s Instagram post read.

“It’s been an incredibly difficult time, and I just wasn’t able to make it. He hadn’t been well for a while, but like with Diogo, it hasn’t really sunk in yet.

“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.

“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.”

Fans and former players, including Robbie Fowler and Robbie Keane, sent condolences to Rush.

Liverpool will return for pre-season this month as they start preparations for the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.