Liverpool’s classy gesture to Diogo Jota’s family: Contract to be paid in full

Liverpool have shown their class following the tragic death of Diogo Jota, with the Premier League champions pledging to look after the player’s family.

Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who played for Liga Portugal 2 side Penafiel, died following a car crash in northern Spain on Thursday in an incident that has rocked world football.

A popular figure, the Portugal international’s passing saw tributes fly in from every corner of the footballing world.

The 28-year-old is survived by his long-term partner Rute Cardoso, whom he married in June, and three young children. Liverpool have taken it upon themselves to make sure that Jota’s family is well looked after, according to a report from Record.

The Portuguese paper has confirmed that the Reds intend to honour the final two years of Jota’s contract with the club, with the wages going to his family.

Jota will live forever at Anfield

Liverpool had previously indicated on Thursday in a statement that Jota’s No.20 shirt will be “immortalised”.

The club said: “The No.20 will be rightly immortalised for his contributions as part of Liverpool’s 2024-25 title-winners – the club’s 20th – with his trademark shimmy and strike in front of the Kop to seal victory in April’s Merseyside derby a poignant last goal of his life.”

Reds fans have requested that the No.20 shirt be retired in Jota’s honour.

The Liverpool squad has been in Jota’s hometown of Gondomar, Portugal to pay their respects at the player’s funeral.

In addition, former Wolves and Portugal team-mate Ruben Neves jetted in after playing for Al-Hilal in the Club World Cup in the USA on Friday to pay tribute to his former colleague.

Neves had been in tears on the field as his side were defeated 2-1 by Brazilian side Fluminense.