James Milner: ‘It’s only sad leaving if you’ve not achieved what you want’

J ames Milner was given the news he had been long expecting three weeks ago. Despite Jürgen Klopp wanting him to extend his eight-year stay, no offer was forthcoming and he would be free to leave Liverpool at the end of his contract.

The former England midfielder leaves with six major honours, a plethora of memories and a better idea of the coach he wants to become when he eventually retires. Others at 37 would be considering upgrading their golf clubs, but Milner is determined to carry on, even though he worries about the level of burnout in the modern game. Milner will finish his Liverpool career on Sunday at Southampton and, if rumours are to be believed, will start next season along the south coast at Brighton.

Wherever he ends up, it could be the final move of his playing career. Milner is close to completing his Uefa A coaching course and planning to move into management once he retires. He has worked under some impressive people during his career and potentially teaming up with the innovative Roberto De Zerbi would be another learning curve after doing the equivalent of a masters under Klopp.

“I am fortunate to have a few options,” Milner says. “I’ve been very fortunate to play under some unbelievable managers – some poor ones as well, so you can learn from them. Sometimes it’s important to learn off them as well as what not to do.”

After playing for more than 20 years in the Premier League, Milner has accrued extensive knowledge that will help him in the next stage of his career. “Some days you think I’d love a go at management and then other days you see a manager sign a new contract and six weeks later they get sacked and you think: ‘Um, maybe the golf course is a better option.’”

Considering he is closing in