James Milner: Brendan Rodgers convinced me to join Liverpool

“Speaking to the manager here and his plans going forward and for myself I thought it was the right thing for me to hopefully go and get more game time and be part of something special,” said Milner.

Despite Milner rejecting a new deal at the Manchester City, he looks back on his time at the Etihad Stadium fondly.

“City’s a great club and I had five great years there and enjoyed every minute,” he said.

However, the midfielder was frustrated by a lack of starts and Rodgers, who will now be assisted by ex-Doncaster Rovers boss Sean O’ Driscoll, promised him more game time in his favoured position.

With the departure of captain Steven Gerrard leaving a hole in the Liverpool midfield, the chance to be a key player at a big club also helped persuade Milner to sign for the five-time European Cup winners.

“I want to play more football and more centrally if I can – and that’s where the manager sees me playing,” he said.

“I’d like to win a trophy cabinet full of medals, to be honest. That’s the reason I’ve come here.”

Milner signed a reported £150,000-per-week contract and will wear the iconic number 7 shirt.