Liverpool FC have announced that a permanent statue will be erected at Anfield in memory of the Portuguese footballer Diego Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who died in a tragic road accident a few days ago. The English Premier League club Liverpool FC has also announced that the jerseys of the league champions will have the words “Forever 20” on them throughout the season.
Jota and his brother Silva died in a car accident in Spain on July 3. Jota’s brother Silva was also a footballer. He played for Portuguese second division club Penafiel. Jota wore the number 20 jersey at Liverpool. Liverpool have retired the number 20 jersey in his memory. The jersey will no longer be worn by anyone in the club’s men’s or women’s football teams at any level.
Liverpool will recycle the items donated by fans at Anfield to create a sculpture after Jota’s untimely death. The All Reds also plan to create a mosaic of fans and observe a minute’s silence at the first home match of the season against Bournemouth on August 15.
Liverpool will play a pre-season match against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield on August 4. Fans will also be able to pay their respects to Jota there. Liverpool players will wear jerseys with “Diego J20” emblazoned on them in two friendlies in Asia.
The club said that if fans pay tribute to Jota by wearing the ‘Diego J20’ jersey, the proceeds from the purchase will go to the club’s charity, the LF Foundation, which is committed to grassroots programs in Jota’s name.
FAQ
Why is Liverpool FC honoring Diogo Jota?
Liverpool is honoring Diogo Jota following his tragic death in a car accident on July 3 in Spain, along with his brother Andre Silva.
What tributes has Liverpool announced for Jota?
The club will erect a permanent statue at Anfield, retire the number 20 jersey, and feature ‘Forever 20’ on their league kits this season.
Who was Andre Silva?
Andre Silva, Jota’s brother, was also a professional footballer who played for Portuguese second division club Penafiel. He died alongside Jota.
Will anyone wear the number 20 jersey again at Liverpool?
No. Liverpool has permanently retired the number 20 jersey across all men’s and women’s teams in honor of Jota.
What is the ‘Forever 20’ tribute?
‘Forever 20’ will be printed on Liverpool’s jerseys throughout the season to commemorate Jota, who wore number 20 for the club.
