Liverpool have confirmed that the quantity 20 shirt will likely be completely retired in honour of Diogo Jota.
The tribute marks the primary time Liverpool have retired a participant’s quantity all through their 133-year historical past, as they honour the lives of Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, who had been killed in a automotive crash in Spain on July 3.
The retirement applies to the membership in any respect ranges, together with males’s first crew, ladies’s crew and all academy sides.
Liverpool got here to the choice after consulting with Jota’s spouse, Rute, and different members of his household.
An announcement from the membership learn: “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.”
Membership CEO Michael Edwards additionally 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 essential to us to contain Diogo’s spouse, Rute, and his household within the resolution and to make sure they had been the primary 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 quantity, we’re making it everlasting – and subsequently by no means to be forgotten.
“Diogo joined us in 2020, he won us number 20, and he wore – with honour, distinction and affection – the number 20.
“So far as Liverpool Soccer Membership is worried, he will likely be endlessly our quantity 20.”
The Reds have additionally introduced plans to pay tribute to them throughout Sunday’s pre-season pleasant in opposition to Preston.
There will likely be a rendition of ‘You will By no means Stroll Alone’ previous to the 3pm kick-off and Preston will lay a wreath alongside the away supporters, Liverpool stated.
A minute’s silence will then be noticed, with digital tributes displayed on the stadium massive display and on pitchside LED boards.
Gamers from each groups will put on black armbands.
The pre-match programme will even characteristic written tributes to Jota and Silva.
