A poignant reflection has emerged from James Milner as the former Liverpool vice-captain opened up about a bittersweet catch-up with Diogo Jota the night before the Portuguese star’s tragic death in July 2025. In an emotional interview with The Athletic on August 26, 2025, Milner, now 39 and playing for Brighton, shared the intimate details of their last conversation, a moment that has deepened the sorrow surrounding Jota’s loss. His words paint a picture of a cherished friendship cut short, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to resonate within the football community.

Milner recalled, “Nothing major, just checking in and asking each other how things were going.” The casual exchange took place via text on July 2, the night before Jota’s fatal car crash in Spain alongside his brother André. Unaware of the impending tragedy, Milner’s world shattered when he received the news. “Someone asked, ‘Is that true?’ and I didn’t know at that point. I messaged someone at Liverpool to try to find out, and… just horrific. Not many tougher days than that,” he said, his voice heavy with grief. The suddenness of the loss, coupled with their close bond, has left an indelible mark.

Milner’s admiration for Jota shines through, describing him as, “I loved the guy, absolutely loved him. Loved him as a player, loved him even more as a team-mate and a friend, absolutely loved him.” This affection led him to take Brighton’s No. 20 shirt, Jota’s Liverpool number, after Carlos Baleba vacated it. “It felt like the right thing for me to do. Every day when I put my kit on, I’ll think of him,” Milner explained, a tribute that honors their three seasons together at Anfield from 2020 to 2023. Despite their differences—nationalities and ages—he noted, “We hit it off immediately. Maybe it was because we were both so stubborn. Honestly, people say I’m stubborn, but Jots could give me a run for my money.”

Jota’s vibrant personality left a lasting impression, with Milner recalling, “He was an unbelievable guy, one of my favourite team-mates I’ve had in all my time playing. He was always up for a laugh, always winding people up. He was one of those you could put in any corner of the dressing room, next to any other player, and he would click with them straight away.” This camaraderie, forged through shared battles like the 2022 FA Cup win, underscores the depth of their connection.

As of now, Milner’s tribute has touched fans, with #MilnerJota trending at 1.3 million mentions on X. The revelation of their final catch-up adds a layer of poignancy to Jota’s legacy, with the full story of their friendship awaiting below. How will this memory shape Milner’s future, and what does it reveal about the man they both lost?