(Football news) James Milner has signed a contract extension with Liverpool which will see the 36 year old remain at the club until 2026. Milner has accepted reduced personal terms in order to remain at Anfield despite having offers from at least one Premier League club and two teams from overseas. The extension means that Milner will have spent eight years at Liverpool and there is a big possibility that he might decide to hang up his boots at the end of next season.

Speaking after signing his new contract, Milner said “I'm very pleased to be staying for another season. I have never taken playing for this club for granted and I never will. An overriding feeling for me – and a vitally important one in the process – was the belief I can still contribute to the team. The gaffer was clear what he thought and that was a big factor in me extending my contract. As long as I can still play my part, that's not something easy to walk away from. 

“Last season was extraordinary, even though it didn't have the ending we hoped it would. But I think that will only make us all even hungrier for more success, to be honest. I felt that after the parade and that played a part in my decision-making also. It's a unique club. Now this is signed, I'm already looking forward to getting back with everyone, refocusing and going again. It's a brilliant dressing room to be part of."

Milner made 39 appearances for Liverpool last season and remains an important squad player in the team. His contributions are greatly appreciated, not just in the Liverpool squad but also in the eyes of Jurgen Klopp and the German manager was instrumental in the 36 year old receiving the extension from the club. He was offered a new contract before the end of last season but chose to wait until the campaign was over before making a decision regarding his future. 

Milner is likely to surpass 300 appearances for Liverpool next season, with the 36 year old just 11 away from achieving that milestone. Klopp has said that none of Liverpool’s achievements, including their Champions League and Premier League trophy lifts in 2019 and 2020 would have been possible without the midfielder's contributions. The German manager said “He's a role model. I have told him, I can tell the whole world – nothing we have achieved in the last few years would have happened without James Milner, it's as easy as that. Whether he was on the pitch or not, he set standards in a way not a lot of people can set standards, and it educated all of us." 

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