MILNER: I’M GUTTED FOR KOPITES

JAMES MILNER says he is disappointed Liverpool supporters won’t be inside Anfield on Wednesday night to see the Reds lift the Premier League trophy.

Instead of being crowned in front of more than 50,000 fans, captain Jordan Henderson will receive the trophy from Sir Kenny Dalglish on a special podium installed on an empty Kop.

“I’m gutted for the supporters, in truth – more than us as players,” Milner told the Official Liverpool FC Matchday Programme.

“That said, it is what it is and during this period so many people have made far greater sacrifices than footballers and fans.

“People across society have had bigger hardships, so perspective is important.

“Look, we’ll make the best of it. It’s not that the fans aren’t going to be watching.

“I’m sure every Liverpool fan, no matter where they are in the world, will make sure they’re watching. So they will be with us even if they’re not there.

“We are still lifting it for them and ourselves. I’ve no idea how it will feel until it happens, but it won’t detract from the achievement and what this team and staff have worked so hard for.”

Milner signed for Liverpool on a free transfer in the summer of 2015, having previously won two Premier League titles with Manchester City. He is the only member of the Reds squad to have won an English league title before.

The challenge of trying to end Liverpool’s titledrought was key to his decision to swap Manchester for Merseyside.

“The fact the wait had been so long meant it was a massive challenge to try to end it and create some of our own history,” he said.