Milner: Liverpool is an unbelievable place to be

James Milner has put any doubt to rest regarding his future at Liverpool after signing a deal that will see the popular veteran remain at the club until 2022.

On a landmark day for the club that also saw Jürgen Klopp commit his long term to the club, a delighted Milner said being at the club is a true joy in his life.

The Official site reported Milner as saying:

“I’ve been lucky and privileged to play for this club for four-and-a-half years now, it has been an amazing time seeing how the club is changing and developing.

“I just enjoy coming into training every day, working with this group of players, this manager and coaching staff, and being part of this football club.

"Liverpool is an unbelievable place to be and we’re a very, very good football team and hopefully we can keep improving.

“ There’s a long, long way to go now, we know that, no-one is getting ahead of themselves. Again, that’s a massive strength of the squad, we take it a game at a time and concentrate on one at a time.

The versatile 33 year-old said that despite talk of moving to his boyhood club Leeds, he was intent on playing at the elite level for as long as possible. 

“We had discussions with the club and this was obviously the ideal for me, this was what I wanted to do – stay and play at the highest level as long as I can.

Displaying his well known dry wit, Milner said his manager made sure the time was right to sign his own contract.

“Obviously the gaffer waited to sign his dependent on whether I signed mine, so that makes me a feel bit more important!”
 

Naturally, Klopp was delighted to see one of his senior players sign on the dotted line.

The Echo reported the manager as saying:

“ I remember I said in the summer I had not had the pleasure of working with many players like James Milner before in my career - and I am so pleased I will continue to get the chance to work with him for the next few years.

“It is great news for Liverpool FC to have a player of - first and foremost - his qualities and attitude, but also, of course, his experience, here among our squad for the future.

“ He is our vice-captain and obviously one of the big leaders in our squad. 

“He is just as important to us off the pitch in the dressing room as he is on the field, and that tells you everything as he is a big, big player for us. 

“He is a big voice in the dressing room and someone all of the players look up to and respect."

While the veteran is a leader on the pitch, Klopp remembered a story from last season which illustrated the importance of Milner away from the bright lights.

“One of the best examples of this is how he was on the morning of the Barcelona game at Anfield when he arrived at Melwood – as soon as he walked through the door that day, he was pushing everyone around him and motivating them and I loved it.

“And one of my favourite things about Millie, of which there are many, is he is genuinely still improving all the time as a player.

“He has an outstanding attitude: towards football, towards looking after himself and towards looking after others. 

“He is an outstanding footballer and we all believe he still has a lot left to give, which is why this deal makes so much sense for all.”