We hear so much about ‘football family’, that it almost loses its meaning.
Yet for Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker, it is a very real, lived experience, with very real meaning.
Two years ago, his father died in tragic circumstances amidst the horror of the Covid lockdown, and the reaction from everyone at Anfield - and the wider football world - became one of the driving forces of not just his career, but his life.
Alisson
“I never imagined to go through a moment like that in my life, nobody thinks about losing dad or mum or loved one suddenly or so quick,” he remembers now. “But so many people through the Covid times were losing loved ones, and I think the world was in a place where everybody was ready to show love for people.
“And (it was) not only Liverpool, the boys here were amazing, everybody, the staff, fans, they felt my pain together and they push me forward.“I felt the love and the way they deal with the situation.”
“They were helping me and my family to go through that and not just here (Anfield) but the football world. I was really touched, I received so many letters from managers, from clubs that I never imagined I would receive.
“Every message supported me to go forward. What helped me most is my faith and the things I believe; it keeps me strong to keep going in my life, to move forward, look forward, live for my children - enough motivation for the really tough moments.
“And of course when I signed a new long-term (contract) at this club, I thought a lot that everybody was there for me and I want to be here for the club as well, keep making history, keep this atmosphere that we have as a family.”
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