Liverpool to permanently retire Diogo Jota’s No 20 shirt from all their teams to honour his memory – as club make historic decision after speaking to his wife and family

Liverpool have taken the unprecedented step of permanently retiring the Number 20 jersey from each of their club’s teams to honour Diogo Jota’s memory.

Jota’s widow, Rute Cardoso, and members of his family visited the floral memorial that has been laid at Anfield in the week since the striker and his brother, Andre Silva, were killed in a car crash in Northern Spain.

They were joined by Liverpool’s squad, who returned to training on Tuesday and who will play for the first time since the tragedy at Preston on Sunday, where a minute’s silence will be observed. 

Both teams will wear black armbands and the Championship club will lay a wreath in front of the away end.

Jota was an enormously popular player, not just for his talent – his six Premier League goals in the title winning campaign were responsible for boosting Liverpool’s tally by six points – but for his qualities as a man; he was someone who made friends easily and inspired those around him with his attitude.

For that reason, Liverpool have moved to take his number out of service. It is the first time in their history they have made such a decision and it is a reflection of the measure in which he was held. 

Liverpool have retired their No 20 squad number following the tragic death of Diogo Jota

The forward wore the number during a five-year Anfield career and netted 65 goals for the side

The death of Jota and his brother Andre has shocked the footballing world and tributes have been paid to the siblings at Anfield, with many choosing the number 20 to honour him (above)

On Friday, Jota’s wife Rute Cardoso (far left) was joined by members of the Liverpool squad as they witnessed the incredible tributes paid by devastated supporters at Anfield

Michael Edwards, FSG CEO of football, said: ‘As a club, we were all acutely aware of the sentiment of our supporters – and we felt exactly the same way.

‘It was vitally important to us to involve Diogo’s 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’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 number, we are making it eternal – and therefore never to be forgotten. Diogo joined us in 2020, he won us number 20, and he wore – with honour, distinction and affection – the number 20.

‘As far as Liverpool Football Club is concerned, he will be forever our number 20.’

There was talk immediately after the fatal accident that Liverpool would retire the number 20 but they only took this step after consultation with his widow and his family.

It is widely acknowledged that this is a unique honour for a unique player, simply because Liverpool have extended the retirement to all levels: from the men’s first team, to the women’s side and all male and female Academy teams.

FSG senior leadership team Billy Hogan, John Henry, Tom Werner and Mike Gordon collectively added: ‘The fact that in the long and storied history of our club this honour has never previously been bestowed shows the significance of Diogo to Liverpool Football Club.

Reds stars including Mohamed Salah looked emotional as they looked on at the tributes

Supporters also created a mural near Anfield where scores of fans have left special messages

‘His memory and contribution will be immortalised by his association with the number 20.  

‘Our love goes to Rute, his three beautiful children and his family as they continue to grieve the loss of Diogo and Andre.’