'Forever our number 20': Liverpool retire Diogo Jota's squad number in heartfelt tribute to late forward
&imwidth=600&imheight=450&format=webp&quality=medium "'Forever our number 20': Liverpool retire Diogo Jota's squad number in heartfelt tribute to late forward")
'Forever our number 20': Liverpool retire Diogo Jota's squad number in heartfelt tribute to late forward Photograph: (AFP)
Premier League champions Liverpool have paid yet another round of tribute to late forward Diogo Jota as the club has decided to retire squad number 20.
Premier League champions Liverpool have paid yet another round of tribute to late forward Diogo Jota as the club has decided to retire squad number 20. In a late announcement on Friday (July 11), Liverpool and its board took the decision in consultation with Jota’s family who were present at the club’s training centre on Friday. Anyone at all levels including LFC Women and Academy will no longer use the squad number.
Liverpool retire Jota’s number 20
?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,” a statement from Liverpool read.
“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.
Jota’s iconic number 20 will go down in the history books as he played a key role in Liverpool’s 20th league title win. He was bought by the Reds in 2020 and wore 20 for the entire of his career before a fatal car accident killed him and his brother Andre Silva in Spain on July 3. Jota’s death comes as a huge hole to fill for the Reds as they prepare for the pre-season.
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“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,” said Michael Edwards, FSG CEO of Football.
“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.”
