Liverpool fans have urged the club to retire Diogo Jota’s No.20 shirt following confirmation that their star forward was killed in a car crash.
The reigning Premier League champions released statement shortly after report broke in Spain that the 28-year-old had died along with his younger brother, Andre Silva.
‘Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,’ read a short message on the club’s official website.
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‘The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.
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‘Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.
‘We will continue to provide them with our full support.’
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves five years ago in a £40million transfer and was quickly taken to the hearts of the Anfield faithful, establishing himself as something of a cult hero.
What were the lyrics to Liverpool’s Diogo Jota chant
‘Oh, he wears the number 20,
‘He will take us to victory,
‘And when he’s running down the left wing,
‘He’ll cut inside and score for LFC.
‘He’s a lad from Portugal,
‘Better than Figo don’t you know,
‘Oh, his name is Diogo!’
Jota wore the No.20 shirt throughout his Liverpool career with distinction, and reference was made to his squad number that was regularly sung on the terraces while he was playing a part in two Premier League title triumphs.
Given the shock and sudden nature of his death fans, who have already started to lay flowers outside the ground, have asked the club to consider retiring the No.20 shirt.
‘Wearing No.20 while winning No.20,’ said one fan on X. ‘Retire the number, it’s the most fitting time.’
Another added: ‘Puts life right into perspective, have as much Money, Talent and Dream Job but when the knock on the door comes its your time to go.
‘LFC forever, Retire the number 20 and never let his name be forgotten.’
Tributes from former temmates and rival have, meanwhile, begun to pour in for a player who was universally popular.
‘Sometimes life is too cruel,’ said former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea with those sentiments echoed by Rio Ferdinand who wrote on X: ‘Absolutely heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to Diogo Jota, Andre Silva, their family & friends!’
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said: ‘I won’t pretend to know Diogo particularly well but he lived close to us.
‘Kept himself to himself, came across as not the typical way that some people portray Premier League players.
‘He seemed quiet, humble, a real family man. Seemed like a really great guy, great footballer, but at the moment it’s not really about that.
‘[What’s] more important right now is not about the football or Liverpool but about his family and what his parents are going through and his wife and kids’
