James Milner has chosen to change to Brighton’s No. 20 shirt for the brand new season as a private tribute to his former Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota, who tragically handed away final month.
The 28‑yr‑outdated Portugal worldwide died in a automobile accident in June alongside his brother, Andre Silva, just a few weeks after serving to Liverpool safe the Premier League title.
In response to his demise, Liverpool confirmed that Jota’s iconic No. 20 shirt – worn all through his 5‑yr spell at Anfield – could be retired completely.
Three of these seasons had been spent with Milner earlier than the skilled English midfielder departed for Brighton in 2023.
Forward of the 2025-26 marketing campaign, Brighton team-mate Carlos Baleba determined to take the No. 17 shirt, leaving 20 accessible.
Milner, who has beforehand worn the No. 6 since arriving on the south coast, noticed it as an opportunity to make a gesture of respect.
“As soon as I heard Carlos was seeking to change his quantity and 20 was accessible, I wished to do it as a mark of respect and pay tribute to Diogo Jota,” Milner mentioned in a message posted on Brighton’s X.
“He was an incredible participant who I used to be lucky to play with and an awesome buddy as properly.
“It is going to be an awesome honour to put on his quantity within the Premier League this yr.”
The veteran midfielder, whose contract was renewed by Brighton in June and now runs past his fortieth birthday, was one in every of a number of former team-mates who travelled to Portugal in July to attend Jota’s funeral.
Jota’s passing has left an enduring mark on the soccer world, prompting a number of tributes. #
Liverpool have already revealed plans to erect a memorial statue of the ahead at Anfield, whereas Wolves have inducted him into their Corridor of Fame.
Golf equipment and followers throughout the nation have additionally paid their respects with moments of silence and commemorative banners.
