James Milner Joining Brighton after Departure from Liverpool

Liverpool's English midfielder James Milner waves to supporters on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on May 28, 2023. (AFP)
Liverpool's English midfielder James Milner waves to supporters on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on May 28, 2023. (AFP)
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James Milner Joining Brighton after Departure from Liverpool

Liverpool's English midfielder James Milner waves to supporters on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on May 28, 2023. (AFP)
Liverpool's English midfielder James Milner waves to supporters on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on May 28, 2023. (AFP)

James Milner is joining Brighton on a free transfer after his departure from Liverpool.

The versatile 37-year-old midfielder signed a one-year contract Wednesday with the option for a further 12 months.

Milner will join Brighton once his contract with Liverpool expires on June 30, adding experience to Roberto De Zerbi’s squad ahead of the club’s first European campaign. Brighton will play in the Europa League next season after a sixth-place finish in the Premier League.

"He’s an excellent addition for us," De Zerbi said, "and I’m sure he will help to bring us to an even higher level."

Milner, who made 61 international appearances for England from 2009-16, began his career with Leeds and has also played for Newcastle, Aston Villa and Manchester City.

He won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup during eight years at Anfield.

Milner is third in the list of all-time Premier League appearances with 619, behind Gareth Barry (652) and Ryan Giggs (632).



Spain's King Makes Nadal a Marquis

FILE PHOTO: Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros - Rafael Nadal of Spain vs Facundo Bagnis of Argentina. - Paris, France - 26/05/16. Nadal reacts after he won. REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros - Rafael Nadal of Spain vs Facundo Bagnis of Argentina. - Paris, France - 26/05/16. Nadal reacts after he won. REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol/File Photo
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Spain's King Makes Nadal a Marquis

FILE PHOTO: Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros - Rafael Nadal of Spain vs Facundo Bagnis of Argentina. - Paris, France - 26/05/16. Nadal reacts after he won. REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros - Rafael Nadal of Spain vs Facundo Bagnis of Argentina. - Paris, France - 26/05/16. Nadal reacts after he won. REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol/File Photo

Spain's King Felipe VI on Thursday granted tennis great Rafa Nadal the noble title of marquis, recognizing his contribution to the nation through sporting prowess, according to a royal household statement.

Nadal, a 22-times Grand Slam champion who retired last year, was among six individuals honored as part of celebrations marking the monarch's 10th anniversary on the throne, Reuters reported.

Other given such titles included pop-rock singer Luz Casal and Paralympic swimmer Teresa Perales.

"They are a source of pride for Spain and a permanent reference point for values that should inspire our society," the palace said.

Former world number one Nadal, 39, will hold the title Marquis of Llevant de Mallorca, the island where he was born and lives. The title can be inherited by his descendants.

Nadal, who won the French Open a record 14 times, was commemorated last month at Roland Garros with a permanent footprint on the Center Court.