James Milner sends touching Diogo Jota message after Liverpool return

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Former Liverpool star James Milner was back at Anfield on Saturday as Brighton slipped to a 2-0 defeat and the Premier League veteran has since paid a touching tribute to Diogo JotaFormer Liverpool star James Milner has hailed the “special moment” of taking to the Anfield pitch wearing Diogo Jota’s old number. The Portuguese forward died in a devastating car crash earlier this year, with Milner claiming his number 20 shirt at Brighton as a tribute.Taking to Instagram after Saturday’s clash, Milner wrote: "Disappointing result but happy to be back out on the pitch and a special moment to play at Anfield wearing the #20.

A massive thank you for the incredible welcome from the Anfield crowd YNWA."He added: "Also to the travelling fans for your continued support, we need you with us over this period."Milner confirmed his decision to claim the number 20 shirt earlier this season, having previously donned seven at Liverpool, while he wore six during his past two campaigns with the Seagulls.READ MORE: Jamie Carragher gives Mohamed Salah verdict and aims snide Rio Ferdinand World Cup jabREAD MORE: Ibrahima Konate reveals Mo Salah feelings on Arne Slot after Liverpool bust-upSpeaking about his new shirt number, Milner said: "Once I heard Carlos [Baleba] was looking to change his number and 20 was available, I wanted to do it as a mark of respect and to obviously pay tribute to Diogo Jota."He was an amazing player, who I was fortunate to play with, and he was a great friend as well. Asked about that response, Liverpool boss Arne Slot said: “I think he wasn't the only player who walked around the pitch thanking the fans because the fans deserved a thank you from us.“I think our players worked incredibly hard today to keep a clean sheet and for the first time in weeks – or maybe I should say months – we had a little bit of luck with that as well.

Mo is going to go to the AFCON now, I hope he is going to do very well and in the meantime we have to play here without him with not that many players available at the moment.“The good thing is we play on Saturday and then a week in between and then again Saturday. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL packageThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.