Liverpool have unveiled images of Diogo Jota’s new permanent memorial at Anfield, with a ‘Forever 20’ sculpture honoring the late striker and his brother Andre Silva.
‘Forever 20’ monument unveiled (Image: Liverpool FC)
Liverpool have released images of a new permanent memorial to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva at Anfield following their deaths in July.
Reds forward Jota and his younger brother were killed in a car crash last summer while returning to Merseyside for pre-season training, just days after marrying long-term partner Lute Cardoso.
Following his death, Anfield was transformed into a makeshift shrine with scarves, flags and flower stands left by grieving supporters. Reds fans, along with opposition players and supporters, have continued to pay tribute to Jota at home matches this season, often stopping outside the ground to remember him.
Liverpool retired Jota’s number 20 shirt from all levels of the club last season, but supporters have kept his memory alive by chanting his name in the 20th minute of every game.
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The new sculpture has been named ‘Forever 20’ and Liverpool said it would ‘celebrate their lives, their bonds and the love and respect felt by their families, team-mates and supporters around the world’, the Liverpool Echo reported.
“At its center is a sculpture of a flowing heart commemorating Diogo’s iconic goal celebration, which, when viewed from different angles, also reveals the numbers 20 and 30 that adorned the back of the brothers’ playing shirts,” the club added in an official statement.
“The lyrics to Jota’s famous song, which is loved by Liverpool fans and is still sung in the 20th minute of every game, will also be included.
The memorial contains personal references reflecting Jota’s life outside of football (Image: Liverpool FC)
He also paid tribute to Jota’s younger brother Andre Silva, who also died in the accident (Image: Liverpool FC)
“The club will provide further updates on when the sculpture will be officially unveiled, but we can confirm that it will be installed on 97th Street, where thousands of physical memorials including flowers, scarves, artwork, cards, banners and opponents’ jerseys were placed to create a poignant memorial area in the immediate aftermath of the defeat.”
“It will be built on a stone plinth in the Granby rock face, laser engraved with dedications to both brothers, and the plinth itself will incorporate many of the physical tributes left at Anfield. This unique recycling process will ensure that the voices and sentiments shared by fans at the time become a permanent and permanent part of this monument.”
“It also includes personal references reflecting Diogo’s life outside of football, such as the detail of a game controller placed on a pedestal, and will serve as a timeless symbol of love, unity and remembrance, a place where everyone can reflect, remember and pay their respects.”
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