James Milner: Liverpool agree new contract with midfielder until 2022

The uncertainty around James Milner’s future has ended with the midfielder signing a new deal until 2022 with Liverpool.

The 33-year-old’s previous contract was up in the summer and he would have been able to agree terms with teams outside of England in January.

But Milner has further committed to the club, which he has repeatedly stated was his desire, to add to a positive 48 hours for the Premier League leaders.

The development follows Jürgen Klopp extending his Anfield stay until 2024 and comes after The Independent revealed Liverpool have closed a deal in principle with Red Bull Salzburg for Takumi Minamino.

Negotiations between the European champions and Milner’s camp have been ongoing for months and the vice-captain told the club’s official website: ​”I’ve been lucky and privileged to play for this club for four-and-a-half years now, it has been an amazing time seeing how the club is changing and developing.

“I just enjoy coming into training every day, working with this group of players, this manager and coaching staff, and being part of this football club. Obviously the support we get is incredible all over the world.

“It’s an amazing place to play football, it’s an amazing time to be at the football club. We have put a couple of trophies on the board, it would be great to be part of a few more.”

Milner signed for Liverpool as a free agent from Manchester City in the summer of 2015 and has been instrumental in setting the standards for the dressing room both on and off the pitch.

He two appearances away from recording a double century of appearances for the club and has contributed 25 goals – 18 of those from the penalty spot.

Klopp added: “It is great news for Liverpool FC to have a player of – first and foremost – his qualities and attitude, but also, of course, his experience, here among our squad for the future.

“He is our vice-captain and obviously one of the big leaders in our squad. He is just as important to us off the pitch in the dressing room as he is on the field, and that tells you everything as he is a big, big player for us. He is a big voice in the dressing room and someone all of the players look up to and respect.

“One of the best examples of this is how he was on the morning of the Barcelona game at Anfield when he arrived at Melwood – as soon as he walked through the door that day, he was pushing everyone around him and motivating them and I loved it.

“He is an exceptional player, professional and person.”