Greg . 10 hours ago

Liverpool retire number 20 in honour of recently deceased Diogo Jota

Liverpool have confirmed their number 20 shirt will be permanently retired in honour of Diogo Jota.

The tribute, the first time the club have retired a player's number in their 133-year history, applies to all levels - including the first team, women's team and all academy sides.

Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, were killed in a car crash in Spain on July 3rd.

The club came to the decision after consulting Jota's wife, Rute, and other members of his family.

In a statement, the club said: "The move is recognition of not only the immeasurable contribution our lad from Portugal made to the Reds' on-pitch successes over the last five years, but also the profound personal impact he possessed on his teammates, colleagues and supporters and the everlasting connections he constructed with them.

"Liverpool CEO Michael Edwards added: "As a club, we were all acutely aware of the sentiment of our supporters, and we sensed exactly the same way.

"It was vitally important to us to engage Diogo’s wife, Rute, and his family in the decision and to ensure they were the first to know of our intention.

"I trust 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.

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