Brighton have confirmed the signing of James Milner on a one-year deal, with the option for a further season.
The 37-year-old called time on a legendary stint with Liverpool at the end of last season, leaving Anfield at the end of his contract. During his time on Merseyside he won almost every major honour possible, including the Premier League and Champions League.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp had hoped to keep Milner at the club, but after that wish was vetoed, he was allowed to seek a new challenge and will join the Seagulls. The former England international arrives at the Amex with Brighton set to embark on their first ever European campaign.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi said: “I’m very glad to welcome James to Brighton. He’s an excellent addition for us and I’m sure he will help to bring us to an even higher level.”
Brighton technical director David Weir added: “We are delighted that James has agreed to join us after a hugely successful period at Liverpool. His experience speaks for itself with the amount of games he has played and the trophies he has won throughout a decorated career.
“These games include European competition, which will be of huge value to us as we embark on our first season in Europe. We’re looking forward to working with James when the players return for pre-season.”
Milner signed for Liverpool from Manchester City in 2015 and went on to become one of the club's modern-day greats, turning out 332 times before his departure. Klopp heaped praise on the versatile midfielder after it was announced he would be leaving Liverpool, labelling him the ultimate role model.
Asked about managing Milner, Klopp said: "A pleasure and a challenge. In the same moment [it] means a pleasure because of his exceptional attitude, really. I think for a lot of experienced players you use from time to time the word 'role model'. But Millie is the role model, how he puts himself pretty much in place to be every day 100 per cent ready.
"It's a pure example; absolutely outstanding. [It was] a challenge because especially in the beginning everything was alright when he was starting, but when he didn't start then that was a bit tricky. I never saw a bigger mood change in an instant! Similar to Lucas Leiva, I would say. But he played a lot of games so he didn't have that problem now too often, but no, really, really, really good."
Milner confirmed that his manager had hoped he would stay on, only to see that request vetoed by those above him. “It’s all good because the manager wanted to keep me - which as a player is what you want," he said last month.
"Obviously the club decided a different way. In my head it felt like it could be a good time, so I’m content with how it’s all come about
“It was probably about three weeks ago that I heard from the club. Because I hadn’t heard anything, in my own mind I had probably decided myself that I would be going. I will continue to play football, so yes I could be back in front of the Kop potentially. It’s an option.”
He joined fellow midfielder Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in leaving at the end of the season, with Klopp now facing a major overhaul of his midfield options. Ex-Brighton star Alex Mac Allister has already completed the opposite move, while attention will now turn to a deeper-lying midfielder.
Klopp will also have to consider whether he wants to recruit another right back, with Milner regularly deputising in place of Trent Alexander-Arnold, while Calvin Ramsay has joined Preston on loan for the season.
