James Milner credits Leeds United upbringing for career longevity

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James Milner has explained how the work ethic he picked up during his formative years at Leeds United has helped to shape his successful career in the game since. 

Milner came through the ranks at Elland Road, his hometown club, making his debut at the age of 16 in November 2002 and a month later he became the Premier League’s youngest ever goalscorer in a 2-1 win against Sunderland. 

Unfortunately, he left for Newcastle United in 2004 amid Leeds United’s massive financial problems. 

Since then, Milner has gone on to win 61 caps for England, the Premier League twice and the Champions League during spells at Aston Villa, Manchester City and Liverpool, where the 34-year-old looked set for yet another league title this season. 

Speaking to the BBC, Milner made it clear it was his time at Leeds that has helped form the longevity that now defines his career.

 “You need to be lucky but I have always tried to give myself the best opportunity. Diet and gym work, I did all that early in my career as Leeds. I have always tried to push myself and always having to work and grind has definitely helped my mental strength.

“That competitive streak was always driven into me as a kid. I wanted to be the best and at the front.”

Milner remains a popular figure at Leeds United and fans at Elland Road are desperate for him to one day return to West Yorkshire. Considering he is still a major player at the best team in England right now, it is doubtful that time is coming anytime soon.

But hearing of how much he still relates his success to his time in the Leeds United system will no doubt give fans at Elland Road hope that he might one day make the return.