Liverpool has officially retired Diogo Jota's number 20 jersey at all levels of the team, including the women's team, after the Portuguese player died in a car accident in Spain last week along with his brother Andre Silva.
Liverpool made this decision after discussions with Jota's wife, Rute Cardoso, and his family.
"Following consultation with his wife, Rute, and his family, the club can announce that the shirt number will be retired in honor and memory of Diogo at all levels, including the women's team and academy," Liverpool said on its official website.
Liverpool stated that the policy was a recognition not only of Jota's contribution to the Reds' success over the past five years, but also of the profound personal impact Jota has had on his teammates, colleagues and fans.
CEO of Football Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the company that owns Liverpool, Michael Edwards, confirmed that the decision to retire the number 20 shirt at all levels of the team was a first in Liverpool's history.
"Therefore, we can say that this is a unique tribute to an extraordinary person," said Edwards.
By retiring the number 20 jersey, he said Liverpool made Jota and his jersey number immortal and will never be forgotten.
"Diogo joined us in 2020. He won the number 20 shirt for us with great honor, privilege and affection," said Edwards.
Representing Liverpool management, Billy Hogan, John Henry, Tom Werner and Mike Gordon collectively added that the decision regarding the shirt number shows how important Jota is to the Reds.
"Our love goes out to Rute, her three beautiful children, and her family as they continue to grieve the loss of Diogo and André," they said.
Jota was recruited by Liverpool in the 2020-2021 season along with Thiago Alcantara and Kostas Tsimikas, when the Reds were still managed by Jurgen Klopp.
The player, who died at the age of 28, was transferred from another English team, Wolverhampton Wanderers.
At Liverpool, Jota scored a total of 65 goals and 26 assists in 182 appearances. During his time at Liverpool, he won one Premier League trophy, the FA Cup, and two League Cups.
