Lucas Radebe has been discussing some of his former Leeds United teammates, reserving praise for James Milner who’s still playing in the Premier League to this day.
Lucas Radebe racked up 256 total appearances for Leeds United during his 11 year stint at Elland Road, between 1994 and 2005.
The 55-year-old has recently given an interview with South African outlet SuperSport and he spent a good deal of time discussing his years with Leeds.
Radebe recently attended Leeds United’s game against Sheffield United in the Championship and clearly has a lot of time and love for the club, who originally brought him over from Kaiser Chiefs.
He discussed a number of topics and spoke about several of his teammates in England, including James Milner.
Milner, now 38, currently plays for Brighton in the Premier League, where he’s made three appearances in the league this season.
- READ MORE: Daniel Farke may have just dropped the biggest hint yet on the future of one of his Leeds players
Lucas Radebe reveals what James Milner was like at Leeds United
Milner made his first-team debut for Leeds way back in November 2002. He eventually made 54 first-team appearances for the Whites before joining Newcastle United in 2004.
Since, Milner has made a staggering 941 career appearances, including 61 caps for England, with spells at Manchester City and Liverpool seeing him win three Premier League titles and a Champions League too.
Speaking on SuperSport, Radebe reminisced about Milner’s breakthrough into the first-team.
He said: “He played with me. That’s amazing. That’s how they bring up the youngsters as well, because he was in the academy.
“He was absolutely brilliant. He’s never changed. He’s always been the same: hard work, being respectful of what he does and respectful of his elders.”
James Milner recalls the moment he found out he was leaving Leeds United
Newcastle United would eventually sign Milner in a £5million deal in 2004, with the Whites enduring some reported financial struggles at the time.
Speaking earlier in 2024, Milner recalled Leeds United’s decision to sell him to Newcastle, revealing that he had no idea about the move until the day before his medical.
Milner said: “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.”
Both Radebe and Milner and very well-liked Leeds United names. And the fact that Radebe and Milner both played in the same Leeds side is a testament to how well Milner has looked after himself over the years, with his illustrious career still going strong.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
