Liverpool legend Ian Rush misses Diogo Jota funeral due to own heartbreaking tragedy

Ian Rush has no doubt the Liverpool family will show their strength and help each other through the trauma of Diogo Jota's death. Like all those connected with the club, Liverpool's record goalscorer is finding it hard to cope with the tragedy that saw 28-year-old Reds striker Jota and his brother Andre Silva killed in a car crash in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The Liverpool team flew into Porto yesterday for the funeral in Jota's home town of Gondomar. And 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 yesterday as he was immersed in the funeral arrangements for his 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. 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 per cent.

"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 having just 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."