In talking with Simon Hughes of The Independent, James Milner has explained his reasons for quitting Manchester City in favour of the Merseyside club.
In today’s preseason fixture with the Thai All-Stars, Milner is to make his Liverpool debut in a central midfield position, a role he was very rarely granted at City, despite his obvious capabilities in the middle of the park.
Naturally, the England international found himself frustrated at the lack of opportunity he was granted at the Etihad. Instead, he was often given the ‘utility player’ tag.
“That role of filling in, more when other people aren’t available, playing all over the field; I don’t think it lets you show your best football.”
“They saw me as a big part of the club,” Milner said, speaking of his former employers, “however, when we come to it, getting to finals and things like that, the default was for me not to play. That’s the way it was and I want to play as much as I can.”
The 29-year old’s move to Liverpool has come relatively late into his career, but his intentions are clear as day. Unlike what he saw a few miles down the M62, in Liverpool he sees a club that is willing to make him a key member of the starting XI, if he earns his spot.
“I thought at times at City, I won Player of the Month and then didn’t play for three, four or five games after.”
“I feel here if I play well, I’ll keep the shirt. It’s down to me.”
Milner will get his first opportunity to tie down a starting spot in midfield today, in the second half of the Reds’ first game of the preseason tour in Asia. The game kicks off at 2pm BST and will be broadcast live on LFCTV.
