Ex-Liverpool midfielder James Milner has revealed that a host of clubs were interested in signing him prior to his move to Brighton on a free transfer.
The 37-year-old will join the Seagulls on a one-year deal with the option for another year when his contract with the Reds expires at the end of June.
Milner spent eight years at Anfield, helping Jurgen Klopp's side win six titles including the Premier League, FA Cup, Club World Cup, and Champions League.
“I was fortunate to have a few offers on the table, but Brighton really excited me,” James said as quoted by Brighton.com. “You look at the journey the club has been on in both the short term and long term, it’s really impressive.
“The football Brighton play is outstanding, with a great group of players and an exciting manager.
“I’ve had a couple of chats with Roberto. He’s an exciting manager, he’s really passionate, forward thinking and has a fantastic way of setting up his team. He’s someone who is confident in himself and loves his team.”
He added: “I have no idea what my next step is after my playing days, I’ve done my coaching badges and it’s maybe an option for me."
“I’ve been really lucky with some of the managers I have worked under in the last 20 years, I have got to learn from Jurgen Klopp for the last eight years, who is one of the best. Sometimes though it’s good to have the option to have a change and work under someone different and build my knowledge.
“Roberto’s a head coach who doesn’t have the experience of Jurgen yet, but having spoken to people about him you can definitely see him being in that bracket further down the line. You see what a good job he has done in his relatively short time at Brighton, the way his players work and that was very attractive to me.
“I want to broaden my knowledge and gain experience under a new manager and that was a big pull. You always want to learn and improve.”
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