Jurgen Klopp's transfer request was denied by Liverpool before announcing his shock exit
Fabio Carvalho has spoken about Jordan Henderson's expected move to Saudi Arabia
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Head Coach Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool with Jordan Henderson, Fabio Carvalho, James Milner and Cody Gakpo of after their sides 1-0 defeat during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Vitality Stadium on March 11, 2023 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)(Image: Getty Images)
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Liverpool rejected Jurgen Klopp's request to keep James Milner at Anfield six months before the German announced his planned departure. The former England international was brought to Merseyside in 2015 under Brendan Rodgers but became one of Klopp's greatest ever servants in the eight years they worked together.
Milner won six major honours playing under Klopp, including the Premier League and Champions League. While he remained a vital part of the Liverpool squad in his latter years at the club, his placement in the starting lineup began to dwindle, managing only seven league starts in his final season.
However, his importance was hugely appreciated by Klopp who rallied to keep his trusted midfielder at the club beyond the end of his contract in the summer of 2023. Despite his lobbying, the request was blocked by the hierarchy which resulted in Milner joining Brighton & Hove Albion as a free agent at the end of the 2022/23 season.
Klopp issued a poignant message about his time working with the midfielder, labelling him as the ultimate role model. When asked about his experiences managing Milner, Klopp said: "A pleasure and a challenge. In the same moment [it] means a pleasure because of his exceptional attitude, really.
"I think for a lot of experienced players you use from time to time the word 'role model'. But Millie is the role model, how he puts himself pretty much in place to be every day 100% ready.
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"It's a pure example; absolutely outstanding. [It was] a challenge because especially in the beginning everything was alright when he was starting, but when he didn't start then that was a bit tricky. I never saw a bigger mood change in an instant!
"Similar to Lucas Leiva, I would say. But he played a lot of games so he didn't have that problem now too often, but no, really, really, really good." Milner did confirm that Klopp had wanted him to continue his Anfield career, but the request was vetoed by the club.
Jürgen Klopp embraces James Milner of Liverpool after the draw the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at Friends Provident St. Mary's Stadium on May 28, 2023 in Southampton, England.
Jürgen Klopp relied heavily on James Milner during the midfielder's career at Liverpool(Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)
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"It’s all good because the manager wanted to keep me - which as a player is what you want," Milner previously said. "Obviously the club decided a different way. In my head it felt like it could be a good time, so I’m content with how it’s all come about.
"It was probably about three weeks ago that I heard from the club. Because I hadn’t heard anything, in my own mind I had probably decided myself that I would be going. I will continue to play football, so yes I could be back in front of the Kop potentially. It’s an option."
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Milner's emotional departure came just six months before Klopp would call time on his Liverpool tenure in a shock announcement in January 2024 that rocked the fanbase. The 58-year-old revealed his plans to leave the club at the end of the season after almost nine years in charge.
The legendary German cited a lack of energy as the reason for his exit. Two years since Klopp's announcement, he's no longer a football manager, instead head of soccer at Red Bull while Milner remains a Premier League footballer at the age of 40.
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On Wednesday, he equalled Gareth Barry's all-time Premier League appearance record (653) after being subbed on for Brighton in their 1-0 loss against Aston Villa. He has the opportunity to add to his all-time appearances when the Seagulls take on his former side at Anfield in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday night.