James Milner has revealed that the prospect of playing regular first-team football was one of the main reasons why he joined Liverpool on a free transfer from Manchester City. The England international had been at the centre of a tug of war between Liverpool and Arsenal.
Other clubs like United and Chelsea were also showing tentative interest in the player who has won all the domestic trophies on offer. However, he chose Liverpool and will be wearing the iconic number seven shirt at the club. This move also presence Milner with a lot of responsibilities since he is expected to be named as the captain after the departure of Steven Gerrard.
Milner has long wish to play as a central midfielder but he has not been given the opportunities to do so at his previous clubs. This could change at Liverpool since it is believed that Brendan Rodgers sees him as an ideal attacking midfielder. The incredible work rate of the former Aston Villa man will help Liverpool continue to play the intense pressing game that they have developed under Rodgers. Still just under 30, it was surprising that City chose to let him go. Milner feels that he still has more than just a couple of years of top-level football left in him.
“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,” said the new Liverpool signing.