Jurgen Klopp unsuccessfully pleaded with Liverpool to keep James Milner in 2023, and the former midfielder has one big regret about his time with the Reds. Milner retired at the end of last season after a 24-year career in the Premier League, having represented Leeds United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton.
Klopp's Unsuccessful Appeal
Milner arrived at Liverpool in 2015 under Brendan Rodgers and became one of Klopp's most dependable players during their eight-year spell together. He won several major honours under the German, including the Premier League and the Champions League. Despite being a key squad member in his latter years at Anfield, he made just seven starts in his final campaign with the Reds.
Klopp appealed to Liverpool chiefs to keep Milner at Anfield less than a year before the manager announced his own departure. The request was rejected by the club hierarchy, however, leading Milner to join Brighton on a free transfer at the end of the 2022/23 season.
Milner's Reaction and Move to Brighton
Milner revealed that while Klopp was keen for him to prolong his time at Anfield, the club ultimately vetoed the request and did not offer him a new deal. He said: "It's all good because the manager wanted to keep me, which as a player is what you want."
"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."
Regret and Retirement
Milner went on to spend three seasons on the South Coast, making 46 appearances for Brighton as a regular starter. However, despite winning six major honours at Liverpool, he regretted not adding a Europa League winners' medal to his collection, having lost the competition's final to Sevilla in 2016.
He said ahead of his Anfield exit: "It would have been nice to win the Europa League final. We didn't quite get over the line. Other than that, no [regrets]."
"That's why I'm content on leaving this place, which isn't easy. I think it's probably very sad leaving here if you feel as if you've missed out or not achieved what you wanted."
Milner broke the all-time Premier League appearance record with Brighton last season. He retired with 658 top-flight appearances, 903 club career games, 61 England caps and 87 goals for club and country.
