I'll Remember Forever The sad story of EPL Living Legend's change of back number...Veteran MF Milner to run 20 times for Jota, who's gone

Aug 02, 2025

I'll Remember Forever The sad story of EPL Living Legend's change of back number...Veteran MF Milner to run 20 times for Jota, who's gone
Diogu Jota (left) and James Milner. Picture source = James Milner Instagram



I'll Remember Forever The sad story of EPL Living Legend's change of back number...Veteran MF Milner to run 20 times for Jota, who's gone
photo source=James Milner Instagram
The reason why James Milner (39), a veteran midfielder from the England national team, changed his uniform number for the new season is touching soccer fans around the world.

This is because it is meant to commemorate Diogo Jota, who was once a close colleague and younger brother.

Milner made his debut for Leeds United in 2002 and has been playing for Brighton since 2023 after Newcastle (2004-2008), Aston Villa (2008-2010), Manchester City (2010-2015), and Liverpool (2015-2023).




He is known as a living legend to the extent that he received the 5th grade (MBE) of the British Empire Medal (MBE) after recording 2nd place in the English Premier League's career, 9th place in personal career assist, and the UEFA Champions League (2017-2018 season). When he played for Liverpool, he set the record for the oldest player in the club's history (37 years, 4 months and 24 days).

I'll Remember Forever The sad story of EPL Living Legend's change of back number...Veteran MF Milner to run 20 times for Jota, who's gone
Milner (left) and Jota (right) when they played together for Liverpool. Picture source = James Milner 'X'
It is neither easy nor common for a player who has reached such a difficult state to suddenly change his or her attachment number. This is because the player's number is often regarded as 'another ego'.

However, he recently decided to throw away the '6' that he had been running with and put '20'. Milner, who missed most of the two seasons due to injury after eight years of playing for Liverpool and moving to Brighton, has made a bold decision ahead of the new season, which he is ready to make a comeback and is taking on a new challenge.




Milner "20' became empty when Carlos Valieva, who had worn #20, switched to another number. First, I would like to thank Valieva"I wanted to choose '20' to pay my respects to Jota, but the opportunity came just in time and I immediately did it." he said. He then said "I was lucky to play with Jota. To me, he's a top player and a respectable target.

I'll Remember Forever The sad story of EPL Living Legend's change of back number...Veteran MF Milner to run 20 times for Jota, who's gone
photo source=James Milner Instagram
Jota died in a car accident on the 3rd (local time) near Samora, Spain, at the age of 29 last month. Milner had a friendship with Jota in Liverpool in the past as a `big brother.'

When Milner came across Jota's sad news, he wrote on his social media (Instagram) "I was so shocked. Really loved sharing the dressing room with him, sharing a lot of laughs together, constantly wrapping themselves around each other, and admiring his play on the football field. I want to dedicate all my thoughts, love and support to his family, friends and Liverpool family," he wrote in memory.






This article was translated by Naver AI translator.