Liverpool have shown great class following the tragic death of Diogo Jota, with the Premier League champions vowing to look after the player’s family. Jota and his brother André Silva, who played for Liga Portugal 2 side Penafiel, died in a car accident in northern Spain on Thursday in an incident that has shaken the football world.
The popular Portuguese international received praise from all corners of the football world.
The 28-year-old is survived by his life partner Rute Cardoso, whom he married in June, and their three young children. According to a report from Portuguese Record, Liverpool have taken on the responsibility of ensuring that Jota’s family is well taken care of.
The Portuguese newspaper confirms that the Reds intend to honour the last two years of Jota’s contract with the club, where the salary will go to his family.
Jota will live forever at Anfield
Liverpool already indicated on Thursday in a statement that Jota’s number 20 shirt will be “immortalized”.
The club stated: “The number 20 will rightfully be immortalised for his contribution as part of Liverpool’s 2024-25 title winners – the club’s 20th – with his signature move and scoring in front of the Kop securing victory in the Merseyside derby in April as a touching final goal of his life.”
Liverpool fans have called for the number 20 shirt to be retired in honour of Jota.
Grief in his hometown
Liverpool’s squad has been to Jota’s hometown of Gondomar in Portugal to pay their respects during the player’s funeral today, Saturday.
Former Wolves teammate and Portugal international Rúben Neves also arrived after playing for Al-Hilal in the Club World Cup in the United States on Friday to honour his former colleague.
Neves was seen in tears on the pitch as his team lost 2-1 to Brazilian side Fluminense.
