James Milner Pays Tribute To Former Teammate Diogo Jota With No. 20 Shirt Switch

‎Brighton & Hove Albion’s James Milner will wear the number 20 shirt this season as a tribute to former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota. 

‎Jota tragically died in a car crash in Spain last month. He and his brother, Andre Silva, lost their lives when their Lamborghini veered off the road and caught fire.

‎The Portuguese forward had worn the number 20 during his time at Liverpool, where he and Milner played together for three seasons before the veteran midfielder’s move to Brighton in 2023.

‎”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 pay tribute to Diogo Jota,” Milner said.

‎”(He was) an amazing player I was fortunate to play with and a great friend as well. So it’d be a great honour to wear his number in the Premier League.”

‎Liverpool will permanently retire the number 20 jersey following consultation with Diogo Jota’s wife, Rute, and his family. The number will no longer be used at any level, including the women’s team and academy.

‎Meanwhile, 39-year-old James Milner recently signed a one-year contract extension with Brighton and continues his pursuit of making Premier League history.

‎Having already made 638 Premier League appearances, he is now close to surpassing Gareth Barry’s all-time record of 653 games.