Liverpool fans make request over Diogo Jota’s squad number after tragic death

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Liverpool fans are mourning the loss of Diogo Jota after he passed away on Thursday.

Jota was involved in a road traffic incident in Spain, in which both he and his brother tragically lost their lives.

The football world has reacted with shock at the death of a player in his prime in such heart-breaking circumstances.

For Liverpool fans, having just seen Jota help the club to their 20th league title – while wearing the No, 20 shirt – the pain is stinging especially sharply.

And having barely been able to digest such awful and unexpected news, supporters have been calling for the club to do something special in Diogo’s honour.

Liverpool fans ask to retire No. 20 shirt

Football luminaries such as Cristiano Ronaldo have been paying tribute to Jota on Thursday morning. The little forward was loved by so many people. But on the pitch, few appreciated him more than Liverpool fans.

Jota’s song will never feel quite the same when sung at Anfield in the future – and sung it will be. But whatever the future holds, fans have implored the club to ensure no other player ever wears his No. 20 shirt.

“We won our 20th Premier League title while he wore the number 20 on his back. Retire the shirt number forever,” said one supporter.

“We will never, ever forget you. You’ll forever be our number 20,” added another.

READ MORE: How UEFA intends to honour Diogo Jota at upcoming Women’s Euro 2025 matches

“Retire his number. The number 20 was so symbolic this season and it’s just a little sign of respect the club can show,” someone else agreed, with another simply adding: “Agree with the shouts to retire the number 20.”

“Football is the most unimportant thing right now, but I hope Liverpool retire number 20,” one more fan said. “It would feel wrong for most supporters seeing anyone else wear it after the tragic loss of Diogo Jota – but mainly as a sign of respect and gratitude for everything he did and who he was.”

“Retire his number,” said another. “Sing his song at every game. Forever our number 20. Christ.”

Diogo Jota thanked young Liverpool fans

It wasn’t just the older generation of Liverpool fans who loved Jota, the Portugal international was a friend to the club’s young fanbase as well.

Only days ago, on June 30th, Liverpool based events night BOSS Night shared a video of Jota saying hello to a group of children via video link.

“Hello everyone at Boss kids,” the forward said to huge cheers.

“I heard my song was the most voted for the best song for all the players, I personally agree with that so perhaps Jamie can sing it for you guys and you can sing it extra loud. We are champions!”

It would be a fitting tribute if Liverpool could retire what has become an iconic number this summer. In light of such heartbreak, there is little more they are able to do.