After lots of speculation regarding his future, the ‘saga’ has now been solved, with James Milner departing the club for Liverpool.
Brendan Rodgers’ side have ironed out personal terms with the former Leeds, Newcastle and Villa man, who will then join the club officially on July 1 – subject to a medical.
Milner was well-liked amongst City fans for his exceptional work-ethic and versatility. He was always seemingly underrated by opposition fans but only fans of clubs he has played for have a true indication of Milner’s abilities.
He will arrive at Anfield having enjoyed his fair share of success at City. He enjoyed an FA Cup triumph in 2011, the League Cup and two Premier League titles in his stint.
Manuel Pellegrini had spoken of his desire to keep Milner and was regularly quizzed by journalists on Milner’s future.
Milner is believed to have been offered a bumper deal comprising of around £165,000 a week to keep him at the club but it has clearly always been the player’s intention to be a regular in the side. And though he has been a vital asset to Pellegrini and City, he has never been a permanent fixture in the side and that has been a primary factor in his move away.
The 29-year old also sees himself as a central midfield player and that was a role he was never guaranteed at City. At Liverpool, with the void left by Steven Gerrard, Milner is likely to slot in his favoured position.
The departure of Milner will likely spark some action in terms of transfer incomings, as City now need to add more home-grown players to their side having also lost Dedryck Boyata to Celtic this week.
Keep your eyes peeled for some content on Milner’s career at City in the next couple of days.
