Liverpool officially retire number 20 after Diogo Jota's passing

Liverpool officially retire number 20 after Diogo Jota's passing

Liverpool have confirmed the decision to retire the number 20 shirt following Diogo Jota's untimely death earlier in the month.

Jota, 28, passed away in a tragic car accident on July 3rd in northern Spain alongside his brother Andre Silva, who was 25 years old.

Liverpool have now taken the unprecedent step to retire his number 20 shirt at all levels in tribute to the former Portugal international.

This marks the first time Liverpool have ever retired a number and will be in affect across the academy and women’s team as well as the men’s.

The decision comes after Liverpool fans across the globe urged the club to retire the much-loved forward’s number.

“As a club, we were all acutely aware of the sentiment of our supporters – and we felt exactly the same way,” said Michael Edwards, FSG CEO of Football in the club's statement.

“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.”