‘It was so weird’… James Milner recalls ‘crazy’ moment he was told he would be leaving Leeds

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James Milner has recalled his move from Leeds United to Newcastle United in the summer of 2004 – describing the move as “crazy” and questioning whether it was in the best interests of the club.

Milner, now 38, continues to ply his trade in the Premier league as he edges closer to the record number of top-flight outings in English football. He is now level with second-placed Ryan Giggs on a huge 632.

Just 21 behind Gareth Barry and it would be foolish to bet against him reaching that total, with the star impressing for Brighton. Almost 20 years ago, Milner was reporting for pre-season at Leeds United.

But on the day he came back to training, after Leeds had been relegated to the Championship, Milner was told he would be joining Newcastle. The next day, the Englishman would be undergoing a medical.

It came after 54 games for Leeds at senior level. Speaking to Football’s Greatest with Jeff Stelling, the Leeds academy product told of how he was at Elland Road one minute and the next, at Newcastle.

It was so weird. We got relegated, went away for the summer, 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.”

James Milner recalls leaving Leeds United for Newcastle United

Ultimately, Milner had to leave Leeds because he was far too good for the Championship. He went on to play 41 times in all competitions in his first season on Tyneside. A Premier League player from that point.

It is a decision he had to make to be the England international, Premier League winner and potential Premier League record holder in appearances he is and could be, today. But, it’s bizarre how it occurred.

A shame, too. That Milner had to leave Leeds to realise his best version of himself, rather than doing it in a Leeds shirt – especially, as he recently said his best moment in football was his first goal for Leeds.