Liverpool icon Ian Rush could not attend Diogo Jota funeral after own family tragedy

Liverpool legend Ian Rush says the pain of Hillsborough came flooding back to him following Diogo Jota’s death. The Reds' record goalscorer has found it hard to take in the tragedy, which saw 28-year-old Liverpool striker Jota killed in a car crash with his brother Andre on Friday night.

The Liverpool team flew into Porto yesterday for the funeral in Jota's home town of Gondomar. But in Rush's mind, it’s 1989 all over again when 97 Liverpool supporters lost their lives in a football tragedy which still impacts to this day on Merseyside.

Anfield ambassador Rush said: “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.

“It was the same with Hillsborough, but on a far bigger scale because of how many lost their lives and how many families were left devastated. It doesn’t matter who you are, a player or a supporter, we all stick together.”

It’s especially poignant for Rush who wasn’t able to attend Jota’s funeral due to him being immersed in funeral arrangements following the death of older brother Gerald. He explained: “I was invited to Diogo’s funeral, but what has happened with my brother passing it was impossible to go.

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“He hadn’t been well for some time, but like Diogo it hasn’t really hit home yet. I was in the middle of helping with Gerald’s funeral when the news broke about Diogo. To be honest it’s been hard to take in.

“Diogo was a great player, probably the best finisher at the club. He always gave 100 percent. 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.

“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.

“This is especially hard for the Liverpool players who will soon be back in pre-season training. They are just expected to get on with the job but they are just human beings at the end of the day who experience the same emotions as the rest of us.

“Some players will be affected more than others. I think right now it’s been hard for everyone to take in what has happened. You try to continue as normal. but that is impossible. It’s so weird, and for some there will be a delayed reaction because the enormity of what has happened hasn’t sunk in yet.

“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.”

Jota’s death has also rekindled memories of Gary Speed’s tragic death – a fellow Wales international who enjoyed a close relationship with Rush. He added: “Look at [Wales international] Gary Speed who died almost 14 years ago.

“He has never been forgotten. Like what happened with Gary it’s about rallying round and supporting the families. It’s so tragic, Diogo only just having got married and leaving three young children.

“It’s going to be difficult for them, but we have to be there for them when needed. That was the case with Gary. The football world came together and he is still missed to this day. Wales loved Gary Speed as Portugal loved Diogo Jota, and Liverpool did as everyone can see with the scenes around Anfield.”