Diogo Jota: Liverpool confirm number 20 shirt will be retired to honour forward | Football News
Liverpool confirmed that shirt number 20 would be permanently withdrawn in honor of Diogo Jota.
The tribute marks the first time that Liverpool withdrew the number of a player throughout their 133 years of history, while they honor the life of Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, who were killed in a car accident in Spain on July 3.
Retirement applies to the club at all levels, including the first men’s team, the women’s team and all the academy teams.
Liverpool made the decision after consulting Jota’s wife, Rute, and other family members.
A declaration of the club read: “This decision is the recognition not only of the immeasurable contribution that our boy of Portugal has brought to the success on the field of the Reds in the last five years, but also on the deep personal impact he had on his teammates, colleagues and supporters and the eternal connections that he has established with them.”
The CEO of the club, Michael Edwards, also talked about the question, saying: “As a club, we were all perfectly aware of the feeling of our supporters – and we felt in exactly the same way.
“It was of vital importance for us to involve Diogo’s wife, Rute, and his family in the decision and to ensure that they were the first to know our intention.
“I believe it is the first time in the history of Liverpool Football Club that such an honor is granted to an individual. Therefore, we can say that it is a unique tribute to a unique person.
“By removing this squad issue, we do it forever – and therefore to never be forgotten.
“Diogo joined us in 2020, he won the American number 20 and he brought – with honor, distinction and affection – number 20.
“Regarding the Liverpool Football Club, it will always be our number 20.”
The Reds also announced its intention to pay tribute to them during the pre-season of Sunday against Preston.
There will be an interpretation of “You will never walk alone” before the kick -off of 3 pm and Preston will put a crown alongside the supporters outside, said Liverpool.
A minute of silence will then be observed, with digital tributes displayed on the large screen of the stadium and on the LED boards by the height.
The players of the two teams will wear black armbands.
The pre-match program will also include tributes written in Jota and Silva.
