Liverpool have unveiled a permanent memorial at Anfield in tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.Titled ‘Forever 20′, it has been placed on 97 Avenue, close to the stadium’s Main Stand, on the eve of the first anniversary of their tragic passing in a car crash in Spain last July.It celebrates their lives, their bond, and the love and respect felt by family, team-mates and supporters across the world.Designed by renowned sculptor Emma Rodgers, at its centre is a flowing heart sculpture, in acknowledgement of Jota’s iconic goal celebration.
Viewed from different angles it reveals the numbers 20 and 30, which adorned the back of the brothers’ playing shirts. It also features the lyrics to Jota’s song so beloved by Liverpool fans.(Liverpool Football Club)The area on 97 Avenue is where thousands of physical tributes – including flowers, scarves, shirts, works of art, cards and banners – were placed in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy last July.Some of those tributes have been set in wax and embedded into the structure and surface of the sculpture.Further items are also incorporated into the stone plinth, laser‑engraved with dedications to both brothers, using Portuguese stone from their home city of Gondomar, near Porto.A single flower placed in tribute has also been cast in bronze, while a PlayStation controller also sits on the plinth in a nod to Jota’s love of gaming.In a statement LFC 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.”
