Liverpool retire no. 20 shirt in honour of Diogo Jota following tragic passing
Forward Diogo Jota tragically passed away with his brother Andre Silva in a car accident on July 3.
The sad incident happened not long after he married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children.
Following his death, Liverpool promised to immortalise the Portuguese international.
The Merseyside outfit have now announced that the number 20 jersey will be retired in honour of the deceased forward.
FSG CEO of Football, Michael Edwards, told liverpoolfc.com regarding the decision:
“As a club, we were all acutely aware of the sentiment of our supporters, and we felt exactly the same way.
“It was vitally important to us to involve Diogo’s wife, Rute, and his family in the decision and to ensure they were the first to know of our intention.
“I believe this is the first time in Liverpool Football Club’s history that such an honour has been bestowed upon an individual. Therefore, we can say this is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person.
“By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal – and therefore never to be forgotten.
“Diogo joined us in 2020, he won us number 20, and he wore – with honour, distinction and affection – the number 20.
“As far as Liverpool Football Club is concerned, he will be forever our number 20.”
Jota had worn the jersey since his arrival from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2020.
Other players to have worn the shirt include Aly Cissokho, Jay Spearing, Godwin Antwi, Javier Mascherano, Scott Carson, Anthony Le Tallec, Nick Barmby and Stig Inge Bjornebye.
Jota had a remarkable career at Anfield and was widely considered one of the club’s best finishers, earning the nickname ‘slotter’.
He had several memorable moments in the Reds jersey, including scoring the only goal in the victory over Merseyside rivals Everton last April.
Jota made 182 appearances across all competitions, providing 65 goals and 26 assists.
His heroics will forever be remembered by the club and its supporters.