James Milner recreated Diogo Jota’s celebration after scoring in Brighton against Manchester City, but the former Liverpool man was accused of copying Erling Haaland’s celebration
James Milner used his celebration to pay tribute to Diogo Jota after scoring for Brighton in his victory at Manchester City, admitting that it was “probably a bad impression of me.”
The former Liverpool star has confirmed his former teammate, who tragically passed away earlier this summer by recreating his celebration when he converted from the scene. Milner and Jota spent several years with each other at Anfield before the veteran moved to Amex Stadium.
However, he wanted to show that Jota remained at the forefront of his mind when he scored from 12 yards. Milner even chose to change his number to 20. This was the number Jota wore before retiring at Anfield.
Ex-Red said:
Milner’s celebration was heavily criticized after Sky Sports commentator Alan Smith claimed it mimics Erling Haaland’s celebration, not before many supporters later slammed him on social media.
read more: Man City stumbles at Brighton’s Late Show as Pep Guardiola endures a nightmare startread more: Sky Sports commentator accused of “disregarding” Dio Gojota in Brighton vs Man City
People said: “Sorry, Alan Smith is a Jota celebration.” Another said, “Was Alan Smith celebrated James Milner in honor of Diogo Jota like Ehring Haaland?
Meanwhile, Milner ensured that City’s nightmare start continued to kick off the season, with Pep Guardiola’s side scoring just three points from ninth place.
That comes after they were beaten to Tottenham at Etihad last week. Meanwhile, Brighton scored his first victory in the campaign, responding impressively after his defeat at Everton, with Milner acknowledging that international breaks come at a bad time.
He said: “Unfortunately we have an international break. We wanted to keep the momentum going. The boys did a good job keeping it 1-0 (when I came).
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