Liverpool rejected Jurgen Klopp's request to keep James Milner at Anfield six months before the German announced his planned departure. The former England international was brought to Merseyside in 2015 under Brendan Rodgers but became one of Klopp's greatest ever servants in the eight years they worked together.

Milner won six major honours playing under Klopp, including the Premier League and Champions League. While he remained a vital part of the Liverpool squad in his latter years at the club, his placement in the starting lineup began to dwindle, managing only seven league starts in his final season.

However, his importance was hugely appreciated by Klopp who rallied to keep his trusted midfielder at the club beyond the end of his contract in the summer of 2023. Despite his lobbying, the request...