Liverpool FC unveils Anfield memorial to Diogo Jota and brother

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Echo or go back to LFC Live.

The memorial to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva has been unveiled at Anfield following the brothers' tragic death last JulyLiverpool Football Club has revealed about a permanent memorial to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva at Anfield following the brothers' tragic death last July.Reds forward Jota and his brother were killed in a car crash last summer as the Portugal international made his way back to Merseyside for pre-season training, and just days after he had married long-term partner Rute Cardoso. In the days that followed his death, Anfield was turned into a shrine as scarves, flags and floral arrangements were left by mourners, and Reds supporters, as well as opposition players and fans, have continued to remember Jota at every home match this season, often pausing for reflection outside the stadium.Liverpool retired Jota's No.20 shirt at all levels of the club last season, and fans have continued to chant the forward's name in the 20th minute of every match.The new sculpture is titled 'Forever 20', with Liverpool saying it "celebrates their lives, their bond, and the love and respect felt by family, teammates and supporters across the world."The club said: "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 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."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 club said ‘Forever 20’ will serve as a "permanent symbol of love, unity and remembrance, and a place where everyone can reflect, remember and pay their respects."