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).



Kyrgios’ Return to Grand Slam Tennis Is in Doubt Ahead of the Australian Open

Nick Kyrgios of Australia and Novak Djokovic of Serbia (not pictured) hit a return against Michael Venus of New Zealand and Nikola Mektic of Croatia during their men's doubles match at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane on January 1, 2025. (AFP)
Nick Kyrgios of Australia and Novak Djokovic of Serbia (not pictured) hit a return against Michael Venus of New Zealand and Nikola Mektic of Croatia during their men's doubles match at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane on January 1, 2025. (AFP)
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Kyrgios’ Return to Grand Slam Tennis Is in Doubt Ahead of the Australian Open

Nick Kyrgios of Australia and Novak Djokovic of Serbia (not pictured) hit a return against Michael Venus of New Zealand and Nikola Mektic of Croatia during their men's doubles match at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane on January 1, 2025. (AFP)
Nick Kyrgios of Australia and Novak Djokovic of Serbia (not pictured) hit a return against Michael Venus of New Zealand and Nikola Mektic of Croatia during their men's doubles match at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane on January 1, 2025. (AFP)

Nick Kyrgios’ planned return to Grand Slam tennis at the Australian Open is in doubt after he sustained an abdominal injury and was forced to withdraw from an exhibition with Novak Djokovic this week.

The 2022 Wimbledon finalist, sidelined with wrist and knee injuries since the 2022 US Open, said in an Instagram post Wednesday that an ultrasound scan had revealed an abdominal strain and "unfortunately (I) won’t be able to play my good friend (Djokovic) this Thursday."

He said he’d be resting and doing everything possible to be ready for the Australian Open, which starts Sunday at Melbourne Park.

The mercurial Australian, who has become a popular commentator during his lengthy stints on the injured list, made his competitive comeback last week at Brisbane, where he played one singles match and partnered with Djokovic in two doubles matches.

Djokovic and Kyrgios won their opening doubles match, a crowd-pleasing, fist-pumping affair by both players at Pat Rafter Arena before a 6-2, 3-6, 10-8 loss to Nikola Mektic of Croatia and New Zealander Michael Venus.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley remained confident Kyrgios would play at the year's first major.

"I think it’s just precautionary, that’s the word we’ve got from him," Tiley said Wednesday, responding to questions about the potential absence of the star Australian. "Nick’s not the only one not doing some of their pre-planned matches over the next few days. There’s no concerns ahead of the Open."