James Milner says he still follows Leeds and hates Manchester United

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Former Leeds United star has been talking about his career.

James Milner has a chance to win the Champions League this weekend for the first time.

Milner is in line to feature for Liverpool against Real Madrid in Kiev, and has been speaking to The Times about his career so far.

The England international credited the grounding he got in Leeds United’s academy for his success, and discussed how he still dislikes Manchester United due to the historic rivalry between the two clubs.

Milner has played for two more of United’s rivals, Manchester City and now Liverpool, although insists it was not planned that way.

He said: “Growing up a Leeds fan, I was never allowed to wear a red T-shirt, my old man never allowed it. Seriously. ‘We can’t wear red. We’re Leeds.’

“It was strange when I signed for Liverpool, actually wearing red. My dad made a joke about it, saying, ‘That’s the first time I’ve seen you in red.’ I still follow Leeds and want them to do well and still have that same feeling towards Manchester United.”

Milner’s old side are a shadow of the force they once were, and their own European adventures seem like a lifetime away.

Perhaps if Milner wins the Champions League with Liverpool this weekend, he could be convinced to bow out at the top and make a return to his boyhood club.

They certainly need him, after finishing just 13th in the Championship last season.

Fans are far from convinced this season will be different… Milner making a stunning return would certainly lift spirits.