James Milner has revealed to the Times that he is still an ardent Leeds United supporter and follows the team closely.
Speaking ahead of the biggest match of his career, the Liverpool midfielder explained that his devotion to his boyhood team remains as fierce as ever.
Milner told the Times he is also firmly against Manchester United following a career that began at Leeds and has also taken in lengthy spells at Manchester City and Liverpool.
“Growing up a Leeds fan, I was never allowed to wear a red T-shirt, my old man never allowed it. Seriously. ‘We can’t wear red. We’re Leeds,’ Milner recalled.
“It was strange when I signed for Liverpool, actually wearing red. My dad made a joke about it, saying, ‘That’s the first time I’ve seen you in red.’ I still follow Leeds and want them to do well and still have that same feeling towards Manchester United.”
OPINION
Leeds fans will be delighted that Milner is as devoted to their side as ever. The midfielder broke into the United team at the age of 16 but moved to Newcastle United two years later due to the team’s relegation and severe financial problems. With Leeds rooted in the lower leagues, Milner has carved out a top career at a string of big clubs culminating in his spell at Liverpool, which could yield the most glorious triumph yet in his career. With the versatile midfielder turning 33 next January, Leeds fans harbour hopes that he will return to their club for a fitting finale to his career. That might be another year or two away, given that Milner has been a key member of the Liverpool team this season, particularly en route to the Champions League final. With Emre Can just returning from a back injury and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain out until November, Milner is almost certain to start in Kiev alongside Jordan Henderson and, mostly likely, Georginio Wijnaldum. Leeds fans will be cheering him on.
