Alisson: I will never forget the love that the Liverpool family showed me in my time of need

The pain of losing a parent never leaves you and Alisson Becker is no exception to that.

The goalkeeper received the devastating news in February 2021 that his father had drowned in a dam at his property in Southern Brazil.

Adding to the indescribable grief was the fact that the tragedy came in the midst of a global pandemic meaning that he was unable to attend his father’s funeral due to travel restrictions.

While not being able to grieve with loved ones during that time was immensely difficult, there is a prevailing thought that a Football club is like a second family and under Jurgen Klopp no club emphases that more than Liverpool.

Reflecting on that truly terrible time in his life, the deeply spiritual Brazilian says he feels truly indebted to the support that he received as the Mirror reported.

“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,” 

“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.”

But it was not just the club that wrapped their arms around Alisson, it was the Football world as a whole and you can tell that it still resonates with him.

“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.”

In a season of wild form fluctuations by the Reds , one constant has been the outstanding form of the 30 year-old who has literally saved his team on many occasions.

The fitting reward came last week against Brentford when he achieved his 100th clean sheet for the club but he certainly does not want to stop there.

“When you see these names that reached this number then you see something special, so I’m really happy to be among them, reaching 100 clean sheets for the team,” he explains.

“But I definitely want to make the next step. 100 is a lot for me now but in comparison to the great goalies in Liverpool’s history ( like Ray Clemence and Bruce Grobbelaar) and it is not even 50 per cent of what they achieved.

 I’m already looking forward to the next 50 or 100 clean sheets, and for the next one in the next match we have. It would be special to be alongside them or to beat them. I admire a lot what the great goalies did, but I’m writing my own story here at Liverpool and I’m focused on that.”