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James Milner says central role key to Liverpool move

James Milner: Joined Liverpool with the hope of playing more games in central midfield
Image: James Milner: Joined Liverpool with the hope of playing more games in central midfield

James Milner left Manchester City for Liverpool to pursue his aim of playing more games in central midfield.

The England international joined the Reds earlier this summer and reported to Melwood on Monday for the first day of pre-season training with his new team-mates.

Milner turned down the offer of a new deal at City, and the 29-year old was encouraged by Brendan Rodgers' plans to put him at the heart of Liverpool's team next season.

He told the club website: "I just thought it was the right thing for me to hopefully go and get more game time and be part of something special.

"I've been very fortunate to play for some massive clubs during my career so far and this is another one. It's a great challenge for me.

"I want to play football and play more centrally if I can - and that's where the manager said he sees me playing.

James Milner spoke to former England team-mate Steven Gerrard before making Anfield move
Image: James Milner (R) spoke to former England team-mate Steven Gerrard before making Anfield move

"The club doesn't need a lot of selling about what a great club it is, with all the history, the support and the squad they have.

"But speaking to the manager and what his plans were for me, things I've heard about him from other players - I was speaking to Stevie (Gerrard) at England and people like that - and what he said to me made me want to come and play for him straight away."

Watch James Milner make his competitive Liverpool debut live on Sky Sports. Stoke v Liverpool is live on Sunday August 9.

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