Liverpool captain Milner against Super League

LEEDS: Liverpool midfielder James Milner said on Monday he hopes a European Super League (ESL) does not happen despite his club being one of 12 teams to sign up to a breakaway.

The English champions have teamed up with Premier League rivals Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal for the proposed 20-team competition.

Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan are the other founder members of the plan.

However, speaking after Liverpool's 1-1 draw at Leeds in the Premier League, Milner joined governments, governing bodies, fans and other players to criticise the proposals.

"There is a lot of questions. I can only say my personal opinion, I don't like it and hopefully it doesn't happen," said Milner, who was Liverpool skipper for the fixture in the absence of the injured Jordan Henderson.