Champions League winner James Milner wants to use his experience in European competition to help his new Albion teammates as we embark on our debut campaign in the Europa League.
The 37-year-old will officially join us from Liverpool at the beginning of July, after an eight-year spell with the Reds that saw them reach the Champions League final three times, winning it in 2019, as well as the Europa League final in 2016.
Jamesâs experience will no doubt prove vital to Roberto De Zerbiâs team, whose sixth-place finish in the Premier League confirmed a first season in Europe in the clubâs history.
âIt's amazing for the club to be playing in Europe,â Milner said. âItâs thoroughly deserved considering how well the team has played. Itâs an attractive aspect of the move for me, you always want to play at the highest level.
James Milner won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2019.
âItâs exciting for me and playing in Europe is something I feel I can help the group with â I am fortunate enough to have played in the Champions League and Europa League many times, I want to add that value.
âThe level this Brighton team play at, I think weâre going to see some good things this coming season and I canât wait to be involved. I want to push as hard I can to help the team on and off the field.â
The former Manchester City and Aston Villa man says that being involved in European competition dramatically changes any teamâs season.
âIt's a lot different, you have such little time to prepare for each game, youâve got late nights coming back from games in Europe. The logistical side of it is crazy.
âYou have periods during the season where youâre not really training, youâre just recovering. You have to be ready to go and itâs a real squad effort, so everyone needs to be ready for that.â