Liverpool: Liverpool FC have announced plans to create a permanent memorial sculpture at Anfield in tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who tragically passed away earlier this month.
The club thanked supporters who have paid their respects at Anfield, where thousands of flowers, scarves, artworks, handwritten messages, banners and shirts have been left at a dedicated tribute area in recent weeks. Players, staff and the brothers’ family have also visited the site to honor their memory.
Liverpool confirmed that Jota’s number 20 shirt will be permanently retired across all levels of the club, including the women’s and academy teams.
Items from the tribute area are now being carefully removed as part of plans for a lasting memorial. Flowers will be composted and used in club grounds, while non-organic tributes will be recycled and incorporated into the sculpture.
Until the sculpture is completed, a temporary reflection area will remain open for fans and mourners.
Additional tributes will take place at all pre-season fixtures, including a floral display before kick-off and specially designed shirt patches during the club’s Asia tour.
Liverpool will also hold a special commemoration at their first home Premier League match of the season against AFC Bournemouth on 15 August, which will feature a fan mosaic and a minute’s silence.