James Milner delivered a heartfelt tribute to his former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota after finding the net for Brighton against Manchester City this afternoon.
Now in his 24th Premier League season, the 39-year-old midfielder showed he still has the quality to make an impact at the highest level. Brighton were 1-0 down when Fabian Hurzeler’s side were awarded a penalty midway through the second half.
Milner stepped up with trademark composure. He sent James Trafford the wrong way with a clinical finish into the bottom corner before being surrounded by teammates in celebration.
Instead of his usual understated reaction, Milner marked the goal by performing Jota’s famous video game celebration, a gesture that has also been seen across Europe since the tragic passing of the Portuguese forward in early July.
Milner’s tribute did not come as a surprise. The veteran midfielder had already switched to Brighton’s No.20 shirt this season in memory of Jota, with Carlos Baleba giving up the number to allow the change. The pair spent three years together at Liverpool, winning the Premier League and forming a close bond on and off the pitch.
In a recent interview, Milner revealed he had been in touch with Jota shortly before the fatal car accident in northern Spain that also claimed the life of his brother, Andre Silva.
