James Milner breaks silence on Liverpool exit after FSG role in rejected request

27 May 2023 , 21:30

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James Milner breaks silence on Liverpool exit after FSG role in rejected request

James Milner has confirmed that Jurgen Klopp wanted to hand him a new contract to stay at Liverpool.

Milner, 37, will part company with the Reds after eight success-filled seasons which has seen him lift every top trophy in the game after today’s clash at Southampton. But he leaves Anfield after club bosses refused Klopp’s request to hand the former England midfielder an extension.

Milner, who is now expected to be snapped up by Europa League-bound Brighton, said: “It’s all good because the manager wanted to keep me - which as a player is what you want.

“Obviously the club decided a different way. In my head it felt like it could be a good time, so I’m content with how it’s all come about

“It was probably about three weeks ago that I heard from the club.

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“Because I hadn’t heard anything, in my own mind I had probably decided myself that I would be going.

“I will continue to play football, so yes I could be back in front of the Kop potentially. It’s an option.”

Klopp had been keen to keep Milner at Anfield (Getty Images)

Milner has been taking his coaching badges in preparation for the day when he does have to hang up his boots.

Terry Venables gave him his debut at the age of 16 and he has also played under Klopp, Sir Bobby Robson, Martin O’Neill, Roberto Mancini and Brendan Rodgers.

Milner said: “Some days I think I'd love a go at management - and then other days you see a manager sign a new contract and six weeks later they get sacked. That’s when you think 'maybe the golf course is a better option!'

“We'll see. Doing my badges has helped me learn and I've played under some unbelievable managers.

“I’ve played under some poor ones as well! But you can still learn from them.

“Playing for as long as I have - and with the players that I’ve played alongside - it does seem a shame not to use that knowledge.”

Simon Mullock