'It'll be very special' - James Milner on Premier League trophy lift
James Milner is relishing the ‘very special’ feeling of lifting the Premier League trophy as a Liverpool player.
The champions will receive the silverware in a special ceremony on the Kop following their final home game of the season against Chelsea on Wednesday night.
The vice-captain, of course, won the title twice during his time with Manchester City and cannot wait to get his hands on it again.
“It will be special, very special,” Milner told the official matchday programme. “It was the reason I signed here in the first place and I’m sure it’s the case for the other lads as well - a club of this size and with its history.
“The fact the wait had been so long meant it was a massive challenge to try and end it and create some of our own history.
“You can see what it means to everyone. The night it was confirmed we were champions, you could see the emotional impact. Not just on us and the manager but the supporters and the past players - the legends. Sir Kenny Dalglish, Steven Gerrard, so many of them.
“When they were messaging and telling us congratulations, you know they really meant it and they were properly made-up. That was great.
“What this team has achieved means a lot to a lot of people and it’s special to part of something like that.”
Wednesday’s match will take place behind closed doors at Anfield but, while acknowledging the disappointment of not being able to share the moment with fans in person, Milner and his teammates will feel their support from afar.
The No.7 continued: “I’m gutted for the supporters, in truth. More than us as players. That said, it is what it is and during this period so many people have made far greater sacrifices than footballers and football fans. People across society have had far bigger hardships, so perspective is important.
“Look, we’ll make the best of it. It’s not that the fans aren’t going to be watching. I’m sure every Liverpool fan, no matter where they are in the world, will make sure they’re watching.
“So they’ll be with us even if they’re not there. We’re still lifting it for them and ourselves. I’ve no idea how it will feel until it happens, but it won’t detract from the achievement and what this team and staff have worked so hard for.”
Order Wednesday's historic 100-page programme for home delivery here. Matchday delivery is not guaranteed.
