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James Milner and Diogo Jota played for Liverpool together 71 times.
The pair also won the FA Cup and League Cup together in 2022.
Good friends on and off the pitch, James Milner has now found a unique way to pay respects to Diogo Jota after his tragic passing last month.
Diogo Jota tragically died in a car crash alongside his brother Andre Silva last month.
Andre Silva was accompanying Jota as he made his way back to Liverpool to report for pre-season.
A deeply felt loss, and tributes poured in from the world of football as the world came to terms with two lives that were lost far too soon.
39-year-old James Milner moved to Brighton in 2023 after eight hugely successful years at Liverpool, and he signed a one-year contract extension this summer to keep him on the south coast for at least one more season.
Following the news about Diogo Jota, his No.20 shirt was retired across all levels of Liverpool Football Club.
James Milner has now shown a remarkable sign of respect to his friend and former team-mate, by changing his shirt number ahead of the upcoming season for Brighton from No.6 to No.20.
Carlos Baleba’s number became available and Milner jumped at the chance of a number swap.
Speaking on his decision, Milner said:
“Once I heard Carlos was looking to change his number, and 20 was available, I wanted to do it as a mark of respect and obviously to pay tribute to Diogo Jota.”
“Who was an amazing player and I was fortunate to play with and a great friend as well.”
“[It will] be a great honour to wear his number in the Premier League this year.”
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and the Portuguese forward went on to score 65 goals and register 26 assists in 182 appearances across all competitions for the Reds.
James Milner has shown a real touch of class with this gesture.
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