Liverpool Plan Jota Memorial Sculpture At Anfield

Liverpool have announced plans for a permanent memorial sculpture at Anfield in tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.

A “Forever 20” emblem will also be printed on players’ shirts next season.

Portugal and Liverpool forward Jota and Silva, who played for Portuguese second division club Penafiel, died in a car crash on 3 July in the Spanish province of Zamora.

Liverpool retired his number 20 shirt in tribute.

The planned sculpture will be made by recycling items left outside Anfield since his death by fans paying their respects.

Liverpool are planning a fan mosaic and a minute’s silence at the opening Premier League home game against Bournemouth on 15 August.

Fans can also pay tribute at the pre-season game against Atletico Bilbao on 4 August at Anfield, while players’ shirts will have a “‘Diogo J 20” patch for their two pre-season games in Asia.

In addition, the club have said if supporters want to honour Jota by having “Diogo J 20” on the back of their shirts, then the profits of the purchases will go to the LFC Foundation, the club’s charity.

The LFC Foundation has also committed to creating a grassroots football programme in the Jota’s name.

Meanwhile, the Football Association will hold talks with Liverpool before planning a tribute to Jota at the Community Shield at Wembley on 10 August.

Bbc.com