James Milner doesn’t like the limelight, but the veteran’s “emotional” departure after eight years at Liverpool was more than deserving of the attention.
In the season’s final game, Milner wore the Liverpool jersey for the 332nd and final time, leading the team to a tense 4-4 draw that perfectly encapsulated the Reds’ campaign.
Before the game, a banner honoring Milner was unfurled, and the traveling Kop sang his name in tribute to his eight trophy-filled seasons.
It was the most recent illustration of the “incredible” support he has had since his 2015 arrival at Anfield, when he first set out to expand the team’s trophy collection.
In an interview with LFCTV, Milner said of his career: “It has been great from day one since I’ve been at the club.
“Obviously, saying goodbye to the boys and the staff was difficult because of the effort they put in with us and the memorable times we had together.
It goes without saying that wearing the Liverpool jersey for the last time will be a significant event.
“Wearing the shirt has been an honor, and I hope I’ve given as much as I can while I’ve been here. I will have wonderful recollections of this location.
It’s a fantastic club to play for, Milner continued. Today’s standing ovation was extraordinary. What we’ve been able to share over the past eight years has been wonderful.
Although the 37-year-old’s career will now take him away from Anfield, he departs with the knowledge that the Reds’ chase of trophies would be successful and that “mission accomplished” was achieved.
The goals were to win a league championship and to add a new European Cup to the trophy collection. When asked if he thought this was all possible back in 2015, Milner responded, “It was the plan – plans don’t often come off like this.
It is mission accomplished if you like in the time. This team is a special team with a special manager, amazing group of staff, unbelievable stadium, great training ground and some fantastic young players as well.
“It’s the end of my story here but the end of this era for Liverpool I’m sure isn’t ended and there’s going to be lots of trophies to come for this special group of players.”
Six honours, 332 games and countless memories. Thank you, Milly
