Liverpool have confirmed the decision to retire the number 20 jersey permanently to honour Diogo Jota’s legacy.
This decision was taken after consulting with Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso and his family, as it now means that the Portuguese will be ‘forever Liverpool’s number 20.’
This is a special tribute from Liverpool as this is the first time the Reds have retired a certain jersey number throughout their illustrious 133-year club history.
This retirement of jersey number applies to the club at all levels, including the men’s and women’s first team, junior teams and also at academy level.
Jota, who was a vital part of Arne Slot’s Premier League-winning roster, passed away on July 3 due to a car accident along with his brother Andre Silva.
A statement from the club 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.”
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Club CEO Michael Edwards also spoke on the matter, saying: “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. 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.”
Liverpool also have plans to pay tribute to Jota ahead of their preseason fixture against Preston on Sunday.
There will be a rendition of ‘You Will Never Walk Alone’ played ahead of kick-off to honour the two brothers.
There will also be a programme featuring written tributes as both teams are expected to wear black armbands.
Jota moved to Liverpool in 2020 from Wolves and netted 65 goals in 182 appearances whilst winning the Premier League, a couple of League Cups and an FA Cup title.
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