Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has admitted that talks are now underway with midfielder James Milner over staying at Anfield beyond the end of the season.
Milner has been an outstanding servant for Liverpool ever since joining on a free from Manchester City back in the summer of 2015.
Milner now has almost 300 appearances for Liverpool, winning one Premier League title and one Champions League alongside the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup.
Now 36, Milner is approaching the end of his career but don’t expect him to be retiring at the end of this season.
Jurgen Klopp has told the Liverpool Echo that he believes Milner isn’t finishing his career any time soon and understands exactly why.
Klopp thinks any player should keep going for as long as they can, as you’re a long time retired.
The big topic surrounds Milner’s contract as the veteran will become a free agent at the end of the season.
Klopp has admitted that he is speaking to Milner about renewing his contract, seemingly hopeful that he will stick around for at least another year.
“I am in talks with Millie and we will see,” said Klopp. “There’s no chance that Millie will retire next year. He is desperate to play on, and I understand it to be honest. Life after a career, when you are lucky enough to stay healthy, it’s normally much longer than your career, so you should extend your career as long as you can.”
“Millie will be fine after his career, but he obviously loves what he is doing. He will play football next year definitely,” he added.
Milner doesn’t play a key role anymore, starting just seven Premier League games this season as well as three games in other competitions.
What Milner does offer is a veteran presence with great leadership, maintaining standards around the training ground and giving young players a great example.
Those players don’t always get the praise they deserve, and Milner’s impact goes beyond what you see in games.
That’s ultimately why Klopp wants to keep Milner at Anfield, and there could be progress on a new Liverpool deal very soon.
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