James Milner recently expressed that wearing the No. 20 shirt for Brighton in their match against Liverpool was a “special moment” dedicated to the memory of his late teammate, Diogo Jota. The Seagulls lost 2-0 to the Reds at Anfield on Saturday, where Milner made an emotional return as a late substitute against his former club.
Choosing to don the No. 20 out of respect for Jota, who tragically passed away in July, Milner took to Instagram post-match to reflect on the occasion. He thanked Liverpool fans for their warm reception and acknowledged the disappointment of the result but emphasized his happiness to be back on the pitch.
“Disappointing result but happy to be back out on the pitch and a special moment to play at Anfield wearing the #20,” Milner stated. He also extended his gratitude to the travelling fans for their ongoing support, urging them to remain united during this period.
The match was particularly emotional for the 39-year-old midfielder as it marked his first visit to Anfield since Jota’s untimely death. Milner had previously expressed his deep affection for the Portuguese forward, recalling their close friendship and shared experiences during their time together at Liverpool.
“I loved the guy, absolutely loved him. Loved him as a player, loved him even more as a teammate and a friend, absolutely loved him,” Milner remarked, highlighting the close bond they shared despite their different backgrounds. He revealed that the No. 20 became available when teammate Carlos Baleba opted to change his number, making it a fitting tribute for Milner.
Milner’s decision to wear the No. 20 for the entire 2025/26 season reflects his class and respect for Jota’s legacy. Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate shared a photo of the shirt after the game, symbolizing the remembrance and camaraderie that continues to exist within the team. Though Jota is gone, his impact and memory remain alive in the hearts of those he touched.