In modern day football, which has become synonymous with masses of money, it is rare to see a player take a pay cut in order to fulfil other ambitions.
But that is what ex-Manchester City player James Milner, 29, has done by signing for Liverpool, after it was reported by The Guardian that the Sky Blues had offered him an increased £165,000-per-week contract – £15,000-per-week more than his new contract at Liverpool.
The England international spent five years at the Etihad, winning every domestic title on offer and gaining the support of City fans.
*tearfully moves James Milner from ‘Current Players’ to ‘Ex-Players’ in the database*
— StatCity (@StatCity) June 30, 2015
Milner said: “City are a great club and I had five great years there and enjoyed every minute. The fans were brilliant with me the whole time there, and that made the decision difficult.”
In recent years when several of City’s star players have been involved with both on and off-field antics, Milner has been humorously branded as ‘boring’ by some because of his down to earth nature.
Brendan Rodgers said What squad number do you want, James? I said Can I have no7? He said Yes, you can have no7. I said Great, I’ll have no7
— Boring James Milner (@BoringMilner) June 28, 2015
Yet his on-field ability was never in any doubt; his versatile, tenacious and industrious nature was highly appreciated by many.
Milner will take on the famous number 7 jersey at Liverpool – last adorned by Luis Suarez – which has caused a huge debate.
People moaning about Milner reportedly getting the number 7 shirt, he had it at City and won 2 league titles with them, so what
— Nate Guildea (@NateGuildea) June 25, 2015
After a disappointing campaign last season, Brendan Rodgers, who Milner said played a ‘massive part’ in his decision, has already recruited several new players for his squad, including Roberto Firmino, Nathaniel Clyne and Danny Ings.
As well as the hard work, Milner has genuine quality. Last season he scored 8 goals and registered 8 assists despite only starting 28 games.
— Joseph Musker (@Musker_LFC) July 6, 2015
Milner on a free is one of the deals of the summer. Great professional, leader, versatile and always gives 100%. Made up with the signing.
— Joseph Musker (@Musker_LFC) July 6, 2015
However, some fans have branded the 29-year old as ‘average’, leaving them wanting further purchases.
Need solid reinforcement in our midfield. Even with Milner’s addition, were still average at best. Need a Carvalho kind of player. #lfc
— Fawad Parvez (@fawadparvez) June 30, 2015
With Liverpool captain and legend Steven Gerrard making the move to America, the Merseyside outfit required an experienced midfielder who was capable of replacing him, one of the reasons why Anfield appealed to Milner so much.
“It’s a great challenge for me. I want to play football and play more centrally if I can – and that’s where the manager said he sees me playing,” he added.
Image courtesy of Manchester City FC via YouTube, with thanks.
