James Milner has minced precisely zero words in sharing his crystal clear opinion about the proposed European Super League: “I don't like it and hopefully it doesn't happen.”
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Milner became just the latest football figure to announce his disdain for the 20-team breakaway league after learning of the proposal over the weekend — “the same [time] as everyone else.” As the most senior figure in the Liverpool dressing room, one can rather safely presume that Milner's stance broadly covers the feelings of most individuals at the club.
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In a moment this treacherous for footballers, Milner will have been the one to step forward and assume post-game media duties, knowing full well the questions forthcoming.
“Same as everyone, there is a lot of questions. ... I can only say my view: I don't like it and hopefully it doesn't happen. I can imagine what has been said about it and I probably agree with a lot of it.”
🗣 "I don't like it, I hope it doesn't happen."
James Milner was asked about the introduction of the 'European Super League' pic.twitter.com/cvFAHbtjU9
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) April 19, 2021
Of course, it's one thing for a player like Milner — 35 years old and unlikely to play an important part in the Liverpool team if/when the Super League begins play — to publicly criticize the proposal, but will more prominent, younger star players echo the sentiment in the coming days and weeks, knowing their long-term futures are tied to one of those clubs? As ever, the power of the players lies within the game's premier superstars.
