Milner Pays Tribute to Jota With Thoughtful Celebration

James Milner showed a moment of class and respect as he paid tribute to his former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota after scoring for Brighton against Manchester City.

The veteran midfielder, who spent eight years at Anfield, stepped up to take a penalty just minutes after being introduced in the second half. Milner confidently dispatched his spot-kick to equalise, delivering his first goal for Brighton in a crucial game as the Seagulls sought to take points from City.

Gesture in Honour of Jota

After scoring, Milner sat down to replicate Jota’s iconic ‘gamer’ celebration, a mark of respect following the Portuguese forward’s tragic passing in July. The gesture resonated deeply with supporters, as Jota’s celebration first captured hearts after his dramatic winner against Tottenham in a 4-3 victory back in 2023.

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Jota, a passionate gamer, was widely known for his love of FIFA, and his celebration became a symbol of joy among Liverpool fans. Milner’s tribute provided a poignant moment, connecting Brighton’s equaliser with a wider story of loss felt across football.

Connection Through Shirt Number

Milner also made another meaningful gesture earlier this season, choosing to take Brighton’s No.20 shirt, the same number worn by Jota at Liverpool. The club have since retired the number across all levels in his honour, underlining the impact Jota made during his time on Merseyside.

Emotional Moment for Fans

Milner’s celebration struck a chord with both Brighton and Liverpool supporters, uniting fanbases in appreciation of his respect for a former teammate. For Liverpool fans, it was a reminder of Jota’s influence and the enduring bond between players, regardless of the shirts they wear.

Milner’s moment was more than just a goal celebration. It was a heartfelt tribute from a seasoned professional, paying homage to a player whose life and career left a lasting mark.