James Milner signs new Liverpool contract

Milner's new deal takes him to 2021/22 (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool stalwart James Milner has signed a new contract with the Reds until 2022, ending speculation over his future.

The veteran midfielder, 33, was due to see his existing deal run out at the end of this season, and would have been free to discuss terms with a team from England from the beginning of January.

But his new contract will now see him stay at Anfield until the end of the 2021/22 season, and comes at the end of a day which has also seen manager Jurgen Klopp extend his stay with the Reds until 2024.

Milner arrived at Liverpool as a free transfer signing from Manchester City in the summer of 2015, when Brendan Rodgers was still boss.

However after Rodgers departed just a few months later, the former England international has gone on to become a key player for Klopp, and can crucially operate in a variety of positions, including as the club's first-choice left-back in the 2016/17 season.

He was part of the sides which lost League Cup, Europa League and Champions League finals under Klopp, before featuring as a substitute in the 2019 Champions League final win over Tottenham.

Milner, who is the club's vice-captain, forms a key part of the leadership group within Melwood along with skipper Jordan Henderson and experienced midfielder Adam Lallana.

He has played 198 games for the Reds, scoring 25 goals.

“Liverpool is an unbelievable place to be and we’re a very, very good football team and hopefully we can keep improving," said Milner after the news broke.

“Obviously the gaffer waited to sign his dependent on whether I signed mine, so that makes me a feel bit more important!”