Liverpool star Alisson has revealed he attended his father's funeral online to allow him to help Liverpool qualify for the Champions League.
The Brazil international lost his father suddenly in 2021, with Jose Becker found dead after going swimming in a dam. Alisson missed just one match in the aftermath of the tragedy, returning to play a big part in the Reds' top-four finish in a difficult season for the Merseyside club.
After scoring the winning goal against West Bromwich Albion towards the end of that season, Alisson said he wished his father had been there to see it. Now, more than a year on, he has opened up further about the events surrounding his loss.
"I remember that the time he passed away was the height of the pandemic and I was unable to attend the funeral," Alisson told UOL. "I participated online, it was my decision.
"Liverpool offered me everything to travel there, my teammates offered to charter a flight so I could go straight to Porto Alegre. They would do it for me if I wanted to, but I couldn't go right now."
Liverpool spent much of the second half of their title defence season outside the Premier League's top four, with a defensive injury crisis hitting them hard. They eventually rallied, though, with Alisson's last-gasp headed winner against West Brom - the only goal the keeper has scored in his career - playing a part.
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"My wife was pregnant, she was at risk, and I couldn't put her in danger," Alisson continued. "I couldn't leave her alone. She suffered as much as I did.
"My concern was my mother, but my brother managed to be with her. It was a rational decision to stay away at that time.
"Liverpool was also going through a difficult time, fighting for a place in the Champions League, and if I had gone to Brazil I would have had to spend some time isolated and I don't know if I would have had time to return in time to finish the season. My teammates also needed me."
Alisson, who is part of a Brazil squad chasing World Cup glory, spoke briefly about his loss in May 2021 after the West Brom game. His goal left Liverpool's top four fate in their own hands, and they sealed the deal by beating Burnley and Crystal Palace in their final two games.
"I’m too emotional, this last month for everything that has happened with me and my family, but football is my life, I played since I can remember with my father," he said after the win at The Hawthorns. "I hope he was here to see it but I’m sure he has seen it with God at his side and is celebrating.
"For my family, for the boys, what a fight. Sometimes you are fighting and fighting and things are just not happening."
