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).



French Open Organizers Introduce Draw to Access Ticket Sales

Spectators watch as Italy's Fabio Fognini serves against Australia's Alexei Popyrin during their first round match at the French Open tennis tournament in Roland Garros stadium in Paris, France, May 22, 2022. (AP)
Spectators watch as Italy's Fabio Fognini serves against Australia's Alexei Popyrin during their first round match at the French Open tennis tournament in Roland Garros stadium in Paris, France, May 22, 2022. (AP)
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French Open Organizers Introduce Draw to Access Ticket Sales

Spectators watch as Italy's Fabio Fognini serves against Australia's Alexei Popyrin during their first round match at the French Open tennis tournament in Roland Garros stadium in Paris, France, May 22, 2022. (AP)
Spectators watch as Italy's Fabio Fognini serves against Australia's Alexei Popyrin during their first round match at the French Open tennis tournament in Roland Garros stadium in Paris, France, May 22, 2022. (AP)

French Open organizers are introducing a draw system to access ticket sales for the clay-court Grand Slam tournament.

The French tennis federation said Tuesday it faces an “ever-increasing demand” and that the trial of a random draw for the general public should help reduce waiting times and ensure a fairer access to seats.

“Finally, this new sales system will make it possible to combat fraud and the purchase of tickets by bots,” organizers said.

Registration for the draw will run from Jan. 27 to Feb. 9. Being selected in the draw will guarantee access to ticket sales, but not necessarily the right to receive tickets for a specific day or court, organizers said.

The French federation has also limited the maximum number of tickets one can buy for the main courts to four per person.

The French Open takes place from May 25-June 8 at Roland Garros stadium in Paris.