Liverpool retires number 20 shirt at all levels in honour of Diogo Jota

Liverpool have retired the number 20 shirt in honour of Diogo Jota - the first time it has made such a gesture.

The club said it was a "unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person" and the decision was made in consultation with his wife and family.

The number 20 will be retired at all levels, including the men's and women's first teams and academy squads.

Image: Jota's wife joined Liverpool players to view tributes at Anfield on Friday. Pic: Liverpool FC

Image: Pic: Liverpool FC

A statement said: "It was the number he wore with pride and distinction, leading us to countless victories in the process - and Diogo Jota will forever be Liverpool Football Club's number 20."

The Premier League champion said the move was a "recognition of not only the immeasurable contribution our lad from Portugal made to the Reds' on-pitch successes over the last five years, but also the profound personal impact he had on his teammates, colleagues and supporters and the everlasting connections he built with them".

Newly-married Jota died alongside his brother, Andre, when his Lamborghini crashed in northern Spain on 3 July.

Police said this week that all the evidence so far suggests Jota was the one driving the vehicle.

Liverpool teammates joined members of Jota's family, including his wife Rute, at a huge memorial site outside Anfield on Friday.

Image: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk and Liverpool's player Andrew Robertson arrive on the day of the funeral

The star's funeral took place last weekend, with Liverpool colleagues and members of the Portuguese national team in attendance.

Reds captain Virgil van Dijk carried a shirt bearing the number 20 made from flowers.

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