James Milner has extended his Liverpool contract and vowed Jurgen Klopp’s men will come back “hungrier for more" trophies.
The veteran midfielder will play his 20th consecutive Premier League season after agreeing a new 12-month deal. Milner, who made his debut as a 16-year-old for Leeds, was out of contract this summer, and has accepted reduced wage terms.
Boss Klopp was desperate for him to sign, to keep his on-field contribution, but also a huge influence on the dressing room. Milner, 36, played 39 times last season, including 14 starts, as Liverpool won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, but fell just short in the Premier League and Champions League.
He 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. I'm very pleased to be staying for another season. 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 had offers from another Premier League club and two from abroad including the MLS, but wants to add to his long list of honours.
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He joined Liverpool from Manchester City where he won two league titles, an FA Cup and a League Cup. Since 2015, at Anfield he’s won a league title, an FA Cup, a Carabao Cup, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and a FIFA World club Cup.
He concluded his year-long extension after Liverpool’s marathon 63 game season which ended in defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League final. Liverpool have other contract negotiations bubbling. The priorities are Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who are all entering the last 12 months of their contracts.
Talks with Salah have dragged on. Egypt coach Ehab Galal says he rejected Liverpool’s request for a scan to play through injury in a 1-0 win over Guinea in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, and will now have treatment. Sadio Mane’s future is uncertain with Bayern Munich eyeing a £25m deal. Klopp won’t sell at that price and the club won’t name a fee for the 23 goal striker. The Bundesliga champions are looking to replace Robert Lewandowski who is likely to leave.
