Liverpool have outlined their intentions to commemorate Diogo Jota‘s life, with a permanent memorial at Anfield among the tributes planned.
Liverpool supporters have left flowers and tributes in their thousands to Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, since they tragically died on July 3.
Now, the items left are going to be used to help create a permanent memorial sculpture that the club say “will become a future focal point of remembrance at Anfield.”
In the short-term, Liverpool’s players will wear a specially designed patch, displaying ‘Diogo J. 20’, for their matches against AC Milan and Yokohama FM in Asia.
In addition, flowers will be laid before the games, as will be the case at Anfield for the friendly double-header against Athletic Bilbao.
Then, for Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth, there will be a fan mosaic and minute of silence.
At that point, the players will be wearing their own specially made tributes, reading ‘Forever 20’, which will remain on their shirts and stadium jackets for the entire season.
For fans wanting to pay their respects, there is still a designated area on 97 Avenue for flowers and tributes to be left.
The previous items that were in place have now been safely stored, ready for some to be used as part of Jota’s memorial.
Meanwhile, the flowers brought to Anfield will be composted and used in flower beds across all club sites.
Liverpool have also announced that if supporters would like to honour Diogo by having ‘Diogo J. 20’ printed on the back of their shirt in official stores, all profits will go to LFC Foundation, the club’s official charity.
The Foundation has also committed to creating a grassroots football programme in Jota’s name.
This comes after Liverpool previously announced they would be retiring the No. 20 shirt across the first team, women’s and academy setups.
Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre
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