James Milner’s Everton trial was cancelled due to snow

James Milner has to be one of the best free-agent signings Liverpool have made in their history.

The former Manchester City star started his career slowly at Anfield but has become one of the most important players in the team under Jurgen Klopp.

The 33-year-old played a key role in guiding us to the Champions League last season and is one of the most experienced members of the team.

James Milner celebrates after winning the Champions League

Milner’s versatility is an added bonus as he can almost play anywhere on the pitch. The Englishman made his name at Leeds United before stints at various clubs but it could have been a different story for Milly.

The midfielder explained how he was close to being a Toffee in his new book ‘Ask a Footballer’ (h/t Liverpool Echo):

“The first club that showed an interest was Everton.
“I might even have ended up signing for them if my trial hadn’t been called off because of snow.”

Milner added that he was playing for Westbrook Juniors and then moved up to the district team Airedale and Wharfedale.

The midfielder claimed he scored a lot of goals during his time with Westbrook and highlighted that an Everton scout watched him in a game:

“I played a district match in Crosby and I was told afterwards an Everton scout had been watching and wanted me to go on trial.
“That was the first time I had even thought about the possibility of being a footballer, but then the trial game got called off because of snow.
“We kept waiting for another phone call, but it never came, so I thought my chance might have come and gone.”

Things fall into place for Milner

It could have been a different story for Milner had he joined Everton at a young age.

Moving to Liverpool could have been ruled out due to the rivalry between the clubs and maybe, he wouldn’t have won the Premier League with Manchester City too.