'Incredibly sad': Football world in mourning over drowning tragedy
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has been rocked by a devastating family tragedy, following news his father died in a shocking drowning incident.
The Premier League champions say they are "deeply saddened" for their player after confirming the news on social media.
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It is understood 57-year-old Jose Agostinho Becker drowned after going for a swim on his property in Lavras do Sul on Wednesday.
"He was fishing and drowned," Alisson's manager Zé Maria Neiss told CNN Brasil.
"The family is in shock."
A police inspector told Reuters that the 57-year-old had been swimming at a dam on his property when the tragic incident occurred.
Authorities say no foul play was suspected.
It's been a heartbreaking few weeks for Liverpool, with manager Jurgen Klopp losing his mother Elisabeth at the age of 81.
The Reds manager was unable to return to Germany for her funeral because of Covid-19 travel restrictions.
In the wake of the latest tragedy, Liverpool posted a statement on social media to send its condolences to their goalkeeper and his family.
"Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Alisson Becker's father, Jose, in Brazil," the club said in a statement on Thursday.
"The thoughts of everybody at the club are with Alisson and the Becker family at this incredibly sad and difficult time."
Football world pays its respects to Alisson
Alisson's teammates Adrian and Virgil Van Dijk both took to Instagram to express their support, with the former writing: "We are all with you hermano."
David De Gea, goalkeeper with arch-rivals Manchester United, posted a picture on Twitter of the two of them embracing after a game with the words: "We are all with you."
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 currently plays, said on Twitter: "Fluminense Football Club deeply regret the passing of Jose Agostinho Becker, father of goalkeepers Muriel and Alisson.
"We wish all strength to his friends and family."
Alisson was inundated with messages from across the football world, with many putting their allegiances to one side to offer their condolences to the goalkeeper.
God bless you Allison.
You are part of a very big family that wish you strength and peace.
May your father rest knowing such a great son and father. X YNWA.— Westcott fine art (@PaulWestcott16) February 25, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with Allison Becker and his family after his father tragically passed away this morning. It’s been a horrible last few weeks for Allison, and it’s only gotten much worse.
Life is so much bigger than football rivalries. YNWA ❤️🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/UqrvWLU7xo— ChelseaFCBlogs (@ChelseaFCBlogs_) February 25, 2021
Gutted to hear the news about Allison father, thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family. Liverpool are a classy club I trust they will support wherever possible. 🙏🏿
— KG (@KGthaComedian) February 25, 2021
Sad, sad news regarding Allison Becker’s father. R.I.P Jose, thoughts with his family at this time. #perspective #LFC
— Yash (YZA) (@yashy88) February 25, 2021
Terrible news for Liverpool's keeper Allison Becker - father wasn't even 60 - terrible
— JJ (@jjmacclad) February 25, 2021
@LFC Deeply saddened by the tragic news of Allison Beckers father. I'm sure I speak for all LFC supporters when I say our thoughts are with you. RIP!!
— Jan Leyland (@JanLeyland) February 25, 2021
Tragic news indeed, even rivalry goes out the window under these circumstances. RIP Allison’s father.
— stephen delargy (@sdelargy67) February 25, 2021
Just catching up on the news and hearing about Allison Becker's father... truly awful. Wishing for his peace soon.
— John Shin (@MrJohnShin) February 25, 2021
with agencies
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