Football General Manager
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- Liverpool retire No. 20 shirt
- Jota passed away in car crash
- Decision made with his family
Liverpool have decided to retire the No. 20 across all of their teams following the passing of Portuguese forward Jota. The former Wolves winger passed away after a car crash alongside his brother Andre Silva in Spain earlier this month and wore the 20 shirt upon his arrival at Anfield in 2020.
The Reds made the decision after consulting his wife, Rute, and the rest of his family. FSG CEO of football Michael Edwards said: “By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal – and therefore never to be forgotten.”
A statement from Liverpool reads: “It was the number he wore with pride and distinction, leading us to countless victories in the process – and Diogo Jota will forever be Liverpool Football Club’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.
“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 family and Liverpool players were seen paying their respects on Friday as condolences continue to pour in. The club has confirmed their pre-season friendly with Preston will go ahead with tributes planned.
