Diogo Jota was an incredible footballer as well as an incredible person.
The Liverpool striker sadly lost his life after his car reportedly caught fire when he veered off the road he was driving on due to a blown tyre.
Jota’s brother, Andre Silva, was also involved in the accident, with both brothers losing their lives.
Liverpool fans have called for Jota’s number 20 to be retired at the club after he joined them in 2020 and helped them win their 20th Premier League title.
And, in an interview from when he first joined the Anfield outfit, the Portugal international shared why he ended up choosing the number 20.
Diogo Jota hoped that he’d be able to do ‘good things’ with the number 20 on his back
Before joining Liverpool, Jota wore the number 18, that is, apart from his time with Atletico Madrid.
And, when asked by Liverpool’s official website why he chose the number 20, the striker said the following: “No, not really. Obviously coming here when the season is already under way is not always what we want.
“I think it’s a good number and hopefully I can do good things with it.”
Oh, if 2020 Jota only knew the things he’d be able to achieve with the club during his five-year stint.
Liverpool will be going all out to win the Premier League title this season
Although retaining the Premier League title was likely already on top of Arne Slot’s agenda, now the 2025-26 campaign means even more.
The entire Liverpool team will be going into every game with Jota’s memory in the back of their minds.
And, while it may be difficult to begin with for the players not to see the former Wolves man among their ranks, the Reds’ ability to win games in his honour will no doubt spur them on.
Liverpool have every chance in the world to win both the Premier League and Champions League in Jota’s honour this season.
And, with the unity among the squad as strong as it is, it feels like there’s no way that won’t happen.
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