Milner: Ending my international days has prolonged Reds career
JAMES MILNER has acknowledged that retiring from international football is a factor in him becoming a Champions League semi-finalist for the first time at the age of 32. Milner, outstanding in Liverpool’s European run, has rebuffed efforts by England manager Gareth Southgate to play again for his country, having hung up his boots in 2016 with 61 caps. Sacrificing a probable World Cup place wasn’t easy but his club manager Jurgen Klopp has reaped the rewards for Milner putting his feet up during international breaks. The in-form midfielder starred in his 40th game of the season on Tuesday night when Liverpool defeated Premier League leaders Manchester City to set up a tie against Roma in the last four. Now, by pacing himself correctly, he feels he can go on for several more years.
‘The decision with England was a tough one but I think those weeks in the season where the manager looked after me and gave me time off did help,’ said Milner. ‘Fitness has always been a strength of mine.
People seem to look at ages and think once you get over 30 you’re coming to the end. I’d like to think I’ve got a number of years left in me. I feel really good and that’s down to the great work the staff at the club do looking after us and the facilities we have.
‘Eating the right things and doing the right things off the field are important. You see players like Ryan Giggs and Gareth Barry. If you look after yourself, you have a chance of playing a long time.’
Milner ran his heart out against City and has been as effective in the centre of the park this season as he was at left-back last year.
The former Leeds, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Manchester City star doesn’t ask or get any special privileges during the regular season because he recuperates properly when team-mates go off to play for their countries.
It is 15 years since he scored his first Premier League goal for Leeds – he remains the competition’s second youngest scorer behind James Vaughan – and you wouldn’t bet against him becoming one of the oldest.