\"It was the number he wore with pride and distinction, leading us to countless victories in the process \u2013 and Diogo Jota will forever be Liverpool Football Club\u2019s number 20,\" the Premier League champions said in a statement.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"The move is recognition of not only the immeasurable contribution our lad from Portugal made to the Reds\u2019 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,\" it added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Jota and his brother Andre Silva passed away in a car accident in the Spanish province of Zamora. According to the Spanish police, Jota\u2019s car veered off the road while driving at a high speed, a tyre blowout caused the car to lose control and catch fire.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAs a club, we were all acutely aware of the sentiment of our supporters \u2013 and we felt exactly the same way,\u201d said Michael Edwards, FSG CEO of Football.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt was vitally important to us to involve Diogo\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBy retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal \u2013 and therefore never to be forgotten. Diogo joined us in 2020, he won us number 20, and he wore \u2013 with honour, distinction and affection \u2013 the number 20. As far as Liverpool Football Club is concerned, he will be forever our number 20.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Jota, 28, was a key figure for both Portugal and Liverpool. Since joining the club in 2020 from PL side Wolves, he helped them win major trophies including the Premier League, FA Cup, and two EFL Cups.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBy retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal \u2013 and therefore never to be forgotten. Diogo joined us in 2020, he won us number 20, and he wore \u2013 with honour, distinction and affection \u2013 the number 20. As far as Liverpool Football Club is concerned, he will be forever our number 20.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On Friday, Liverpool confirmed their plans to commemorate Jota and Silva with a number of tributes at their friendly match against Preston North End.<\/p>\r\n\r\n