LIVERPOOL will retire the No.20 shirt following the tragic death of Diogo Jota.
Jota died in a car crash in Spain last week along with his younger brother, Andre Silva, aged 28.
Jota’s younger brother, Andre Silva, was also killed in the crash. Credit: FC PORTO
The football world is still mourning the loss of the Portuguese international, who was a beloved figure at Anfield.
And in touching tribute to their late winger, Liverpool will retire his shirt number across all levels.
A snippet of a club statement read: “After consultation with his wife, Rute, and family, the club can announce the squad number will be retired in honour and memory of Diogo across all levels, including LFC Women and Academy.
“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 had on his teammates, colleagues and supporters and the everlasting connections he built with them.”
The Reds brass didn’t want to retire Jota’s shirt without consulting his wife, Rute, and other family members.
FSG CEO Michael Edwards said: “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.
Illustration of Diogo Jota’s career statistics, including games played and goals scored for various clubs and the national team.
“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.
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“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.”
Kop chiefs Mike Gordon, Billy Hogan, John Henry and Tom Werner added in a collective statement: “The fact that in the long and storied history of our club this honour has never previously been bestowed shows the significance of Diogo to Liverpool Football Club.
“His memory and contribution will be immortalised by his association with the number 20.
“Our love goes to Rute, his three beautiful children and his family as they continue to grieve the loss of Diogo and Andre.”
Source: sun football
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