Diogo Jota Mural
Image Credits: Lian Watts
A mural of former Liverpool striker Diogo Jota has been unveiled at Anfield days after his tragic death.
Jota and his brother were tragically killed in a car crash in Spain after their sports car caught fire.
The 28-year-old forward’s tragic death continues to reverberate through the squad and, indeed, around the world.
Liverpool implemented a staggered return.
Pre-season fitness tests planned for Friday were cancelled “to give the squad more time to process Thursday’s news and say goodbye” to Jota and his brother.
Players trickled back from today onwards, allowing individuals to grieve privately and attend memorial services in Portugal.
There was an outcry for a mural of Jota to be created in his honour. And just five days after his passing, one has gone live in his honour.
Earlier today, we reported that there were plans on the ground for a Jota mural around Anfield.
And now, the Liverpool Echo are reporting that the “FOREVER 20” mural in honour of Jota has appeared at Anfield.
The mural by street art collective Murwalls invites fans to share their own memories of the former striker, creating a massive community tribute on the wall of Sybil Road.
The mural is a mere stone’s throw away from Liverpool’s Anfield stadium.
People gathered at the wall today, July 8.
Messages penned in rainbow colours against a black background read: “Our Number 20. YNWA” and “RIP Jota, thanks for the memories”.
Jota joins the likes of legends such as Jurgen Klopp, Kenny Dalglish, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, whose faces can similarly be found on murals throughout the city.
This memorial art will be the work of Paul Curtis, the man behind some of Liverpool’s most vibrant artworks, including the popular Liver Bird wings.
Paul set up a crowdfunding campaign with the aim of raising £2,000 for the creation of the Jota mural.
He said: “Following the tragic and untimely death of Anfield favourite, Diogo Jota, it has been suggested that a mural should be painted in the Anfield area. This mural will be for the fans, from the fans and painted by a fan. We will also be donating funds to a charity (to be chosen) once the costs of the mural are covered.
“The money will be used to cover the costs of the mural, including the hire of a cherry picker and the costs of materials. If we exceed these costs, then the extra money raised will go to a charity (we are trying to find out what Diogo’s chosen charities are at the moment).
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