Liverpool to retire number 20 in honour of Jota

Liverpool are to retire the number 20 shirt in honour of forward Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car crash along with his brother Andre Silva.

The Reds took the decision after consulting with Jota's wife Rute Cardoso and his family which means the Portugal international "will forever be Liverpool's number 20".

A Liverpool statement said the number "will be retired in honour and memory of Diogo across all levels", including the women's team and throughout the academy.

They added: "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 team-mates, colleagues and supporters and the everlasting connections he built with them."

Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club.

He also helped them win the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022 and the Premier League title last season.

Jota and his brother died on 3 July after their car, a Lamborghini, left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle at about 00:30 local time on Thursday, 3 July.

Jota was on his way back to Liverpool for pre-season and, as doctors had advised him against flying because he had undergone minor surgery, he was making the trip by car and ferry.

The funeral of the brothers took place in their hometown of Gondomar last Saturday when a large Liverpool delegation were in attendance.

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