Milner to wear No. 20 shirt in honor of Diogo Jota

James Milner will wear the No. 20 shirt at Brighton this season in memory of the late Diogo Jota, describing his former teammate as a great friend.

James Milner honors Diogo Jota by wearing No. 20 shirt this season

James Milner is set to wear the No. 20 shirt for Brighton this season as a tribute to the late Diogo Jota. Jota, a key player for Liverpool, tragically died in a car accident last month at the age of 28. Milner, who played alongside Jota at Liverpool, expressed his deep respect and friendship for the Portuguese forward. Liverpool has retired the No. 20 shirt in Jota's honor. Milner took the opportunity to change from his previous No. 6 after discovering the number was available when teammate Carlos Baleba opted for 17. "He was an amazing player who I was fortunate to play with and a great friend as well," Milner stated, reflecting on their bond and Jota’s legacy.

Milner’s gesture goes beyond personal sentiment; it highlights the strong bonds formed in professional sports. In grieving Jota's untimely passing, the football community rallies to honor a young player's contributions to the game and his impact off the field. This tribute serves as a powerful reminder of the human connections behind the intense competition of sports, showcasing that excellence on the pitch often intertwines with deep personal relationships. Jota's legacy will live on through Milner's actions, and this decision could influence how future players honor their fallen teammates.

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Such tributes can foster unity and remembrance in the sports world.