James Milner has officially agreed on a one-year deal with Liverpool, turning down ‘lucrative offers’ from other interested clubs.
Liverpool have confirmed that midfielder James Milner has signed a one-year deal with them, taking his association with the club to eight years by the end of the next season. The veteran midfielder was reportedly approached by other clubs but he chose to stay on at Anfield.
As per The Athletic, the 36-year-old has taken a ‘significant wage cut’ in his new deal with Liverpool. He was also approached by other interested parties, which include two Premier League clubs and a Major League Soccer side. He was reportedly offered ‘lucrative’ two-year deals, which he turned down.
There were reports that Crystal Palace were showing interest in the former Leeds United midfielder, while Aston Villa were said to be keeping tabs as well with Steven Gerrard at the helm of affairs there.
Milner was set to run down his Anfield contract this month but manager Jurgen Klopp urged the club’s hierarchy to tie him down for another year. The former England international stressed on the importance of Klopp’s faith while talking to the club’s official website following the announcement.
We are delighted to announce that @JamesMilner has signed a new contract extension with the Reds ?? pic.twitter.com/uaSHd0W4nJ
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 6, 2022
“I’m very pleased to be staying for another season,” Milner said. “I have never taken playing for this club for granted and I never will. An overriding feeling for me – and a vitally important one in the process – was the belief I can still contribute to the team. The gaffer was clear what he thought and that was a big factor in me extending my contract.”
Milner made 39 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions this past season as the Reds won the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup while also reaching the final of the Champions League and finishing a close second to Manchester City in the Premier League.
The 36-year old joined Liverpool from Manchester City in 2015 and has since made 289 appearances for them across competitions, scoring 26 and assisting 44 goals. He has won almost every possible accolade possible on the club level with Liverpool, including the Champions League and the Premier League.
Reflecting on the 2021/22 season, Milner said: “Last season was extraordinary, even though it didn’t have the ending we hoped it would. But I think that will only make us all even hungrier for more success, to be honest. I felt that after the parade and that played a part in my decision-making also. It’s a unique club.”
