Liverpool retired the number 20-shirt in memory of Forward, Diogo Jota after his death at the age of 28.
JOTA died on Thursday 3 July in a traffic accident in Zamora, Spain, next to his brother – Andre Silva and after a global outpouring of grief, Liverpool announced that his shirt number 20 would be retired as a tribute to his memory.
The club consulted with his wife, RUTE, PLUS family about the decision with the shirt number that retired at all levels of Liverpool Football Club, including women and academy teams in ‘Recognition’ of Jota’s ‘immeasurable contribution’ and ‘in -depth personal impact’ on the club.
“As a club, we were all sharply aware of the sentiment of our supporters – and we felt exactly the same way,” explains Michael Edwards, FSG CEO of Football.
“It was vital to us to involve the wife of Diogo, Rute, and his family in the decision and to ensure that they were the first to know our intention.
“I believe that this is the first time in the history of Liverpool Football Club that such an honor has been given to an individual. That is why we can say that this is a unique tribute to a unique great person.
“By retiring this team, we make it eternal – and therefore never forgotten.
“Diogo joined us in 2020, he won our number 20, and he wore – with honor, distinction and affection – the number 20.
“As for the Liverpool Football Club, he will be our number 20 forever.”
Liverpool is now preparing for their first pre-season friendly way to Preston North End on Sunday 13 July, which is now being broadcast live on ITV1 in the United Kingdom, with coverage that starts at 2.40 pm prior to a silence of the minute.
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