James Milner has been discussing Leeds United amid some supporters suggesting an emotional return to Elland Road this summer – and he has named the player he had on the back of his shirt as a kid.
It will be 23 years come November that Milner made his Premier League debut under Terry Venables at Leeds United. A late substitute, replacing Jason Wilcox during a 4-3 win over West Ham at Upton Park.
The 61-time England international only ever played 53 times for Leeds, leaving the club after The Whites were relegated in 2004 – joining Newcastle. The Toon, Villa, Man City, Liverpool and Brighton followed.
But Milner remains proud of his Leeds roots. With Milner out of contract at Brighton this summer, there have been some suggestions he might be tempted to return – more than two decades after his debut.
James Milner had Tony Dorigo on the back of his Leeds shirt
The last time Leeds won the top-tier trophy was the last year of First Division football, before it changed to the Premier League in 1991-92. Some recognisable names were part of Howard Wilkinson’s squad.
Gary Kelly, David Batty, Gary Speed, Gary McAllister and Rod Wallace were all a part of a side that won the title – as was LUTV’s Tony Dorigo. Milner told Pro Direct’s YouTube he had Dorigo’s name on his shirt.
“I do, it was Tony Dorigo who played for Leeds, he was Leeds’ left-back. I don’t know why, I just liked the way he played, he was very fast, must’ve been six or seven – liked how he played. Blast from the past.”
Milner recently recalled the moment he left Leeds United
A year ago, Milner was speaking to Jeff Stelling on the presenter’s recent YouTube channel and shared the moment he left Leeds United to go to Newcastle. He recalls how he was firmly expecting to stay at Leeds.
But with the club relegated and in need of cash due to now-Preston chairman Peter Ridsdale’s barbaric approach to buying players, Milner had to be sold to bring in some much-needed cash at Elland Road.
He said, last year: “It was so weird. We got relegated, went away, came back first day pre-season and we were talking about a new contract. Was fully expecting to stay. I reported for the first day of pre-season.
“They said you are going up to Newcastle tomorrow for your medical, first I knew of it. It’s crazy. Painted as the best thing for the club. Financial troubles at the time, and the money would help the team.”
It will be interesting to see what move Milner makes next with his contract due to expire at Brighton. It will also be one to watch for Leeds, who are yet to be linked but are targeting Premier League know how.
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