Paul Curtis unveils Jota mural memorial plaque and presents almost £24,000 to LFC Foundation

The Liverpool artist, Paul Curtis who created the fans’ memorial mural to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva has presented almost £24,000 to the LFC Foundation.

Paul Curtis handed over the money raised by fans as he unveiled a bronze plaque dedicated to the late brothers and explaining the history of the artwork on Lyon Road, Anfield, on Saturday.

A fundraiser was originally set up to fund the mural, devoted to Liverpool player Jota and Andre – a professional footballer who played for Liga Portugal 2 side Penafiel. 

But when the target was far exceeded, Paul was determined the money would go to a cause that would support the positive legacy left by the pair who were tragically killed in a car crash in Spain in July.

Paul explains: “I was surprised by the amount we raised.

“The suggestion for a memorial came from supporters via the Kenny Dalglish Stand fan group, and the idea is that it was from the fans, by the fans, and created by a fan – me.

“We set up a Crowdfunder to cover the paints and the cherry picker, looking to get about £2,000 – but we got that in the first half hour!

“There were donations not just from fans in Liverpool but all over the world, and especially from Portugal where they were from – but also from non-Liverpool fans, which showed how people felt about these two decent blokes.”

And he adds: “Fans were involved in the design of the mural.”

The well-known artist, who has now completed more than 250 murals including many dedicated to LFC, says the money raised will be managed by a sub-foundation within the LFC Foundation, dedicated to supporting grass roots football in Liverpool and Portugal: “I believe the JOTA shirt sales alone raised over £100,000, and it is with great pride that we are able to contribute this sum to that and to their legacy, ensuring it continues to make a positive impact.

“Both players were committed to giving under-privileged kids the opportunity to get into sports, which is great.  I know myself the benefits people can get from that.”

Only those who had contributed to the mural were invited to attended Saturday’s unveiling ahead of Liverpool’s 2-0 match against Brighton, to make sure it was an ‘intimate’ and ‘respectful’ presentation.

Paul said: “Above everything, it was a thank you to those who had donated money.”

“There were about 50 people there with Foundation reps. The important thing I also keep being reminded of is that this wasn’t so much about raising money to give to charity but about creating a memorial where fans could go and pay their respects to Jota and his brother, and that this was really needed.

“People are still emotional about the loss of these two men, and you could see that on Saturday.

“The plaque explains that this mural was from the fans and created thanks to donations from all over the world. The mural is a way fans can remember them and the money given to the LFC Foundation means that their legacy will live on through others.”

Check out more of Paul’s work here.

Arne Slot says Diogo Jota loss still affecting Liverpool players – read more.

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