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Liverpool released me against the manager’s wishes – I had one big regret

Liverpool refused to grant the manager's wish to keep hold of a club legend…

By Kasra Moradi · Liverpool Echo

Published: Saturday, 24 October 2026 at 10:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Liverpool released James Milner in 2023 on a free transfer after club hierarchy rejected Jurgen Klopp's request to retain him.
Milner revealed that losing the 2016 Europa League final to Sevilla was his sole major regret at Liverpool.
The veteran midfielder spent three seasons at Brighton before retiring after breaking the all-time Premier League appearance record.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Liverpool midfielder James Milner revealed that club chiefs rejected manager Jurgen Klopp's request to keep him at Anfield in 2023. Liverpool decided against extending Milner's contract, leading him to depart on a free transfer to Brighton after eight seasons on Merseyside.

Milner retired after a 24-year Premier League career that included a record 658 top-flight appearances. Despite securing six major honours with Liverpool, he stated that losing the 2016 Europa League final to Sevilla remained his one big regret.

Read the full article on Liverpool Echo

Liverpool released me against the manager’s wishes – I had one big regret

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