All eyes were on James Milner this weekend as he faced Liverpool for the first time in more than eight years.
The veteran midfielder won the lot with the Reds after joining in 2015. But having left to join Brighton this summer, he came up against Liverpool at the Amex on Sunday afternoon.
Unfortunately, Milner wasn’t fit enough to play any part in the matchday squad. Typically though, that didn’t stop the 37-year-old from showing his face. And the LFCTV cameras caught their former vice-captain’s reaction to the game for their ‘Inside’ series on YouTube
Milner was spotted greeting Virgil van Dijk in the tunnel post-match, giving the Liverpool captain a hug before engaging in discussion.
He’s then seen stood chatting next to – who else – Andy Robertson, before a smile spreads across his face as Kostas Tsimikas approaches. The Greek is on the receiving end of a big cuddle and pat from Milner, who looks delighted to see his old teammates. Miss you, Milly!
Milner misses first Liverpool reunion
It’s a bit of a shame that we didn’t get chance to see Milner out on the pitch against the Reds on Sunday.
Having said that, with the game on a knife-edge late on, the former Liverpool No.7 is not necessarily a man you want to see coming on against your team.
Plenty of sides learnt that during Milner’s eight-year stay at Anfield. Jurgen Klopp often liked to bring him on to see out games or give the Reds the edge in the final minutes.
Perhaps his presence out on the pitch could have swung Sunday’s game in Brighton’s favour.
Either way, we’re still hoping that Milly will be fit for his big Anfield reunion when the Seagulls travel to Anfield in March.
Opposition player or not, Milner is certain to get a special welcome from his former home crowd, who hugely appreciated his contribution over the years.
