James Milner has signed a one-year contract extension to stay at Liverpool until the end of next season.
The 36-year-old’s deal was due to expire this month and he accepted a significant pay cut to stay at the club he joined from Manchester City in 2015. Milner is believed to have had offers from at least one other club from The Premier League and two teams abroad.
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Jurgen Klopp wanted to keep a player who made 39 games in the 2021-22 season, 25 as a reserve. Liverpool’s contract offer was made in February and Milner chose to wait until the end of the season to confirm that he would stay.
“I never took to playing for this club for granted and I will never do it,” said Milner. “A key feeling for me – and vital in the process – was the belief that I could still contribute to the team. Gaffer knew what he was thinking, and that was a big factor in extending my contract. While I can still play my part, it’s not easy to get rid of it.
“Last season was amazing, although it didn’t have the end we hoped for, but I think it will make us even more thirsty for more success, to be honest. I felt this after the parade and it also played a role in decision making. This is a unique club. Now it’s signed, I’m looking forward to coming back with everyone, redirecting and leaving again. It’s a brilliant locker room to be a part of. “
Klopp’s respect for Milner, who played in the midfield and right back, was evident after Liverpool’s victory in Newcastle on April 30, which the former England international began. “It’s hard to be better than Millie,” said the manager. “He is a role model. I told him, I can tell the whole world – nothing we have achieved in the last few years would not have happened without James Milner, it is so easy. Whether he was on the field or not, he set standards in a way that not many people can set standards, and that trained us all. ”
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Bayern Munich will continue negotiations with Liverpool in the coming days, hoping to reach an agreement on the signing of Sadio Mane. The striker wants to leave and personal conditions with the Bundesliga champions will not be a problem, but Liverpool do not want to sell him unless they receive a serious offer for the 30-year-old footballer, who has a one-year contract. Ideally, Klopp would also like a first-rate replacement.
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