Liverpool have unveiled a memorial for Diogo Jota on the first anniversary of the late forward’s death.
A “Forever 20” sculpture has been created by renowned sculptor Emma Rodgers, with the centre of the piece featuring a flowing heart as a reference to his goal celebration.
Jota died last year alongside his brother Andre Silva in Spain last year, just a couple of weeks after he married long-term partner Rute Cardoso.
The tribute includes the numbers 20 and 30, which featured on the brothers’ playing shirts.
Liverpool have unveiled a memorial for Diogo Jota
|
GETTY
It also shows the lyrics to Jota’s song, which has been sung in the 20th minute of every match since his death.
A single flower has been placed as a tribute, while a PlayStation controller sits on the plinth, in a reference to Jota’s signature pose.
Liverpool said in a statement: “Designed by renowned sculptor Emma Rodgers, at its centre is a flowing heart sculpture, in acknowledgement of Diogo’s iconic goal celebration, while viewed from different angles it also reveals the numbers 20 and 30, which adorned the back of the brothers’ playing shirts.
“It also features the lyrics to Jota’s famous song so beloved by Liverpool fans, with each letter hand-carved and flowing along the fluid lines and elegant form of the sculpture, reflecting the dynamic yet graceful movement of the player himself.
The tribute reads: ‘Forever 20. He will take us to victory, oh, his name is Diogo’
|
GETTY
“The memorial has been placed on 97 Avenue, Anfield Stadium, where thousands of physical tributes – including flowers, scarves, works of art, cards, banners and opposition jerseys – were placed to create a poignant tribute area in the immediate aftermath of their loss.
“Some of those physical tributes, including sections of scarves and shirts, have been set in wax and delicately embedded into the structure and surface of the sculpture.
“Further items are also incorporated into the Granby Rock‑faced stone plinth, laser‑engraved with dedication to both brothers, using Portuguese stone from their homeplace Gondomar.
“A single flower placed in tribute has also been cast in bronze, meaning this fragile item of personal remembrance left by a fan at the time of the brothers’ tragic passing is now a lasting physical presence.
The memorial was designed by renowned sculptor Emma Rodgers
|
GETTY
“A PlayStation controller also sits on the plinth, a metaphor for Jota himself, his love of gaming, and his signature celebration pose – play and friendship paused in time.
“Every detail has been carefully considered from beginning to end, with the final touches of patina introducing soft hues of Jota’s home flag and the teams he loved throughout his journey.”
The Portuguese national team plan on paying tribute to their late forward against Croatia as they bid for a place in the last 16.
“Diogo is our sun and our light,” said Roberto Martinez, who named Jota as an honorary “plus-one” player in his squad in May.
Diogo Jota died in a car crash last year | PA
“We want to win the World Cup for him. Diogo’s dream is still with us, and he sets the standards; he sets the light for the direction of this group.
“Every day is difficult. When we are training, there are always moments when Diogo comes back into our memory.
“I think the anniversary is just a moment that makes this game [Croatia], Diogo Jota’s game. Diogo will always be with us.”
