A legendary Premier League midfielder turned down the possibility to play for the Purple Devils.
James Milner by no means had any curiosity in signing for the Purple Devils (Picture: Getty) This text accommodates affiliate hyperlinks, we’ll obtain a fee on any gross sales we generate from it. Be taught extra
A record-breaking Premier League legend rejected the possibility to play for Manchester United due to his private dislike for the membership. The participant in query started his profession at Leeds United and have become the second-youngest debutant in England’s prime flight when he made his skilled bow in 2002. He went on to play for Newcastle United and Aston Villa earlier than his profession actually took off.
The versatile playmaker joined Manchester Metropolis in 2010 and remained there for 5 years, profitable two Premier League titles. He signed for Liverpool in 2015 and helped the Reds to attain home and European glory earlier than leaving in 2023. Now aged 40, he performs for Brighton and Hove Albion and lately broke the report for the very best variety of complete Premier League appearances.
Talking to the Day by day Mail, he mentioned: “I did have an opportunity at one level, however I’d by no means do it. By no means. By no means. I don’t suppose my dad would have spoken to me any extra if I had signed for United.”
Milner’s love for Leeds was current from an early age, even earlier than he joined their academy as a teen, and formed how he considered the sport throughout his early life.
Requested how a lot he admired Paul Scholes as a participant, the veteran midfielder replied: “Not as a lot as I ought to have completed. If I can take him out of that purple shirt, then clearly he was an unbelievable participant.”
Milner has loved a extremely profitable profession that almost all footballers may solely dream of, however he has additionally skilled his fair proportion of low factors.
Considered one of his earliest heartbreaks got here in 2004, when his beloved Leeds had been relegated from the Premier League simply earlier than his transfer to Newcastle.
Milner achieved home and European glory throughout his time at Liverpool (Picture: Getty)
“A very long time in the past, however you wait so lengthy to play to your hometown membership, and the yr earlier than I made my debut, I feel we obtained to the Champions League semi-final,” he informed Leeds Reside.
“So, then a few years later to get relegated… I feel any time you lose a last… I have been lucky sufficient to win some trophies, however I’ve misplaced a good few finals as nicely, in order that’s by no means good.”
Requested to select a few of his profession highlights, Milner mentioned: “It is arduous to do one. I feel the primary aim at Elland Street, the Chelsea recreation.
“I feel reliving that as a Leeds fan and never being that previous and never enjoying for Leeds that for much longer, I might like to expertise that once more.
“And I might in all probability say it needs to be Barcelona I feel within the semi-final [for Liverpool in the Champions League]. Clearly, dropping closely within the first leg in opposition to a world-class group like Barcelona and we had gamers lacking on the evening as nicely.
“I feel to have the ability to flip that round and win 4-0 was an unbelievable evening and, yeah, I feel that was in all probability essentially the most particular night.”
Manchester United FC information, fixtures, outcomes and switch gossip plus chosen provides and competitions Subscribe Invalid e mail
We use your sign-up to offer content material in methods you’ve got consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This may occasionally embrace adverts from us and third events primarily based on our understanding. You’ll be able to unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the most effective sports activities information and far more on our Fb web page.
England’s World Cup 2026 kits Varied Costs View Deal
England and Nike have launched the brand new dwelling, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer season’s FIFA World Cup.
Leave a Reply