Whatever the future holds, James Milner will never be forgotten at Anfield

When Liverpool signed James Milner from Manchester City on a free transfer back in the summer of 2015, I don't think any of us knew how good he would be for the club.

The midfielder has been a battler his entire football career. Therefore, the signing of Milner did not disappoint us, but it certainly did not excite us.

However, the Englishman has proven to be a top player for the club.

Milner has gone on to score 26 goals and register 44 assists in 272 appearances for Liverpool's first-team.

The 36-year-old has also won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and Premier League title with the Reds.

Milner has also been averaging a WhoScored player rating of 6.65 across all competitions this season, which does highlight that he can still play at the highest level.

The midfielder is very much a leader inside the dressing room. In fact, Klopp has spoken about Milner's leadership in recent times.

As quoted by This Is Anfield, the German said the following back in April 2021: "I don’t know [how] often I say it, I could say it a lot more times: Milly is incredibly important for this group, incredibly important.

“As a person, as a character, but as a player as well. Not only in the dressing room, but as well in the dressing room.

“I think Milly was always around, playing or coming on when he was fit.

“There were some really little issues, but [not] enough of an issue to rule him out, in the last month, but now he’s completely fit.

“Hopefully, it stays like this and it makes him, then, an important player on and off the pitch. That’s good, and I’m really happy to have him.”

But, Milner's time at Anfield is coming to an end. The midfielder's contract expires at the end of the season and there are no signs to suggest that he will be extending his stay at Anfield. He is also 36 years of age.

Replacing Milner, whenever that may be, will not be easy for Klopp. The man possesses so much quality and experience.

Characters like Milner don't come around everyday. It would be fair to assume that the Englishman's teammates will also miss his advice out on the football pitch.

We would love to see Milner become a coach at Liverpool one day. As you can see in the footage below, the man has a passion for football.

Also, Milner admitted back in July 2020 that we was interested in coaching.

The midfielder told the Daily Mail the following: "Some days it is [an ambition to manage/coach] 100 percent yes. It is obviously great when you see our manager coming in and the job he's done.

"Then you see others getting two months, lose a few games, and they are out. I think it would be a waste to move out of football with how lucky I've been, the knowledge I've gained it'd be nice to share it and help other players.

"I am at a great football club and work with some people, and you know the opportunities the football club gives so so we will see what happens at the end. But hopefully I have a few more years to go yet."

Milner is also a great role model for the younger generation. You don't play 20 years at the highest level if you don't look after yourself.

Therefore, we would not be shocked if the club did give Milner an opportunity to coach in the future.

On another note, we will always remember Milner as a legend of the club. He was part of the side that took Liverpool back to the top of English football.

We look forward to seeing what the future holds for Milner.