James Milner targets game time as he seals Reds switch

Monday 06 Jul 2015
Liverpool new-boy James Milner has 54 caps for England

James Milner completed his move to Liverpool and immediately targeted a central role in Brendan Rodgers' plans.

The England midfielder joined the Anfield outfit after his contract at Manchester City expired.

And after linking up with Brendan Rodgers' side for their first day of pre-season training on Monday, the 29-year-old says he cannot wait to get going.

James Milner

James Milner during training for England last month

"It's an amazing feeling," Milner told LiverpoolFC.com. "To sign for a club as big as Liverpool with the history they've got and the place it is - I'm just ready to get started I suppose.

"It's always intimidating walking into a new dressing room. I'm lucky as I know quite a few of the boys, so that helps as well.

"It's a new challenge for myself personally. I know what a good side Liverpool are and what good players there are here. 

"I obviously know about the players and coaches, but there are people behind the scenes as well and everyone has told me what a great club it is to play for with the people here. I am just looking forward to getting going."

Yorkshireman Milner, 29, signed for Manchester City in 2010 and won five major honours, including two Premier League titles and The FA Cup.

However, though he enjoyed his time at the Etihad he hopes to "be part of something special" at Liverpool

James Milner's England 'dream team'

 

"City are a great club and I had five great years there and enjoyed every minute. The fans were brilliant with me the whole time there, and that made the decision difficult.

"I was lucky enough to win trophies and be part of a good squad there. 

"But speaking to the club about what their plans were and where they saw me over the next few years at the club, and then speaking to the manager here and his plans going forward and for myself, I just thought it was the right thing for me to hopefully go and get more game time and be part of something special."

Milner, who has 54 caps for the Three Lions, became the second-youngest player in Premier League history when he made his debut for Leeds United aged 16 years and 309 days.

Prior to joining Manchester City he played for Newcastle United and Aston Villa and has chalked up almost 400 league appearances.

But he has no intention of slowing down and wants to play as often as he can for the Reds.

“Liverpool is a great fit for me as a club”

James Milner Liverpool and England

"I want to play football and play more centrally if I can - and that's where the manager said he sees me playing," said Milner.

"That's a big thing for me coming to the later stages of my career - I'm not going to say the end of my career because I still feel I have plenty of football left in me! I want to play as much football as I can.

"When I'm sat at 45 and retired, I want to look back and see what I've done and that I've played games, rather than having come to the end of my career and tailed off."

He added: "Liverpool is a great fit for me as a club. It's a huge club and there is a lot of pressure every time you step out onto that field.

"I've played in front of the Anfield crowd and it'll be nice to be on the other side of the fans now.

"The atmosphere they create is fantastic and probably some of the best atmospheres I've played in in England, so to have them supporting me is definitely going to be an amazing feeling."

By FA Staff