Jota passed away, fans call for number 20 shirt to be retired

Liverpool fans have called on the club to retire Diogo Jota's No. 20 shirt after the Portuguese striker died in a car crash.

The number 20 shirt is associated with Diogo Jota.

Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves five years ago for a fee of £40m and quickly became a fan favourite at Anfield, becoming a role model for the fans. He wore the number 20 shirt throughout his Liverpool career, playing a key role in two Premier League titles.

Jota’s shirt number was often chanted in the stands by fans whenever he was present, especially during the team’s victories. Following Jota’s sudden and painful passing, fans laid flowers outside the stadium and called on the club to consider retiring the number 20 shirt.

One fan wrote on X : "Wearing the number 20 and winning the 20th championship. Retiring the number, now is the best time." Another fan shared: "Life really teaches an important lesson, money, talent or dream job, but when the time comes, you have to leave. Liverpool will forever retire the number 20 and don't let his name be forgotten."

In response, Liverpool announced that Jota's No. 20 shirt will be kept to commemorate and honor his contributions to the 2024/25 championship-winning squad, which will also be the team's 20th national championship title. It is not yet clear whether "The Kop" will retire No. 20 permanently.

Tributes have also poured in from former teammates and rivals for the popular and beloved player. "Life can be so cruel sometimes," said former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea. Rio Ferdinand also tweeted : "It's heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with Diogo Jota, Andre Silva, their families and friends."

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said: "I can't pretend I know Diogo well, but he lives near us. He's very private, not what people usually describe as Premier League players. Jota seems quiet, humble, a real family man. He's a great guy, a great player, but now's not the time to talk about that. It's more about his family and what his parents, wife and kids are going through."

A minute of silence for Diogo Jota On the morning of July 3 (local time), SC Braga team in Portugal held a minute of silence before training to remember Diogo Jota and Andre Silva.

Source: https://znews.vn/jota-qua-doi-cdv-keu-goi-treo-ao-so-20-post1565885.html