Diogo Jota immortalised at Anfield as Liverpool FC unveil lasting tribute

Liverpool FC have confirmed that a permanent tribute to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva will be introduced at Anfield in the near future.

Diogo and Andre were both tragically killed in a car accident at the beginning of this month and tributes have been pouring in for the brothers ever since.

Diogo wore the number 20 for Liverpool and that shirt was recently retired by the club to honour his legacy.

Thousands have paid tribute to Diogo and Andre. Pic: Peter Byrne/PA

After consulting with Diogo’s family, Liverpool confirmed that no member of a team across all levels of the club would wear the number 20 out of respect.

Since the two Portuguese footballers died, thousands of physical tributes such as flowers, scarves, works of art, cards, banners and opposition jerseys have been placed to create a beautiful memorial at Anfield.

The area was used by thousands, including Liverpool’s squad and staff along with their friends and family, to pay their respects to the brothers.

Diogo and Andre were both tragically killed in a car accident at the beginning of this month and tributes have been pouring in for the brothers ever since. Pic: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images

The thousands of physical tributes outside Anfield have been gradually removed over the course of the last week and carefully separated and safely stored.

Floral tributes will then be composted and used in flower beds across all club sites, including Anfield, the AXA Training Centre and AXA Melwood Training Centre.y

Diogo wore the number 20 for Liverpool and that shirt was recently retired by the club to honour his legacy. Pic: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

The remaining artefacts will be recycled by a specialist company and used to help create a permanent memorial sculpture that will become a future focal point of remembrance at Anfield.

In the meantime, a temporary area of reflection has been created at Anfield so people can continue to pay their respects.

Supporters that want to honour Diogo by getting his name and number on the back of a jersey can do so in official club stores or via their official online store and all profits will go to LFC Foundation, the club’s official charity.

After consulting with Diogo’s family, Liverpool confirmed that no member of a team across all levels of the club would wear the number 20 out of respect. Pic: PA

The Foundation has committed to creating a grassroots football programme in Diogo’s name.

Supporters will also have the chance to pay their respects during all of Liverpool’s pre-season games, including their return to Anfield on August 4 for a double-header against Spanish side Athletic Club.

For two pre-season games that are happening in Asia, the players’ shirts will include a specially designed patch that will display ‘Diogo J. 20’.

A floral tribute will also be laid before kick-off at the games in Hong Kong, Tokyo and Anfield.

When Liverpool’s new kits are launched on August 1, players will display their own tribute with a specially made ‘Forever 20’ emblem printed into their shirts and stadium jackets, which will remain in place for the entire season.

The main commemoration, including a special fan mosaic and a minute of silence, is being planned for the first game of the Premier League season, against Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday August 15.

Liverpool stated that they are expressing their ‘heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to everyone who has taken the time, and continues to take the time, to leave tributes in honour of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva at Anfield’.