Former England star James Milner returns to ex-club after calling time on career

JAMES MILNER has made a surprise return to Liverpool just months after calling time on his record-breaking Premier League career. The former England star, 40, is back at Anfield on a temporary basis to help coach the club’s academy youngsters. James Milner played 24 consecutive seasons in the Premier League before quiting this summer Credit: Alamy Milner made 332 appearances for Liverpool and is back there to work on his coaching license Credit: AFP Milner finally hung up his boots this summer following an incredible 24 YEARS playing in the Premier League. But the serial winner has wasted little time plotting the next chapter of his career. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Milner is currently working towards his Uefa Pro Licence as he looks to move into coaching. And Liverpool academy director Alex Inglethorpe has invited the Reds legend back to Kirkby to gain valuable experience working with the club’s youngsters. The arrangement is understood to be casual, with Milner assisting Liverpool’s existing coaches rather than taking charge of a particular age group. He worked with the club’s Under-11s last weekend and is expected to spend time with different squads during his spell. It marks a return to familiar surroundings for a player who enjoyed eight trophy-laden years on Merseyside. SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Milner made 332 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool after joining from Manchester City on a free transfer in 2015. Most read in Sport He became one of Jurgen Klopp‘s most trusted lieutenants and served as vice-captain during one of the most successful periods in the club’s recent history. Milner helped Liverpool win the Champions League in 2019 before finally ending the club’s 30-year wait for a league title the following season. He also lifted the FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield, Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup during his time with the Reds. Milner left Liverpool for Brighton in 2023 and spent the final three seasons of his playing career on the South Coast. His extraordinary career also included spells with Leeds, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Manchester City. And Milner bowed out having rewritten the Premier League record books. He made his 658th top-flight appearance in February to become the competition’s all-time appearance holder. Milner first played in the Premier League with Leeds United as a teenager Credit: PA:Press Association He also helped establish Manchester City a strong force in the Premier League Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd His final Premier League outing fittingly came against Manchester United in May. Milner’s move into coaching will come as little surprise to those who worked with him during his playing days. He previously spent time helping out at Liverpool’s academy while still playing for the first team. Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler also gave the veteran opportunities to gain coaching experience during his spell with the Seagulls. Liverpool have regularly opened the doors of their academy to former players looking to earn their coaching qualifications. Ex-Reds defender Conor Coady has also been working with the U21s alongside head coach Rob Page. Former Liverpool academy defender Tom Clayton, meanwhile, was recently appointed assistant manager of the U16s. And now Milner is back at Kirkby as he takes his first steps towards a potential career in the dugout. Comment now