Former Leeds United midfielder James Milner believes he was helping the club financially when he moved to Newcastle United in 2004.
The Liverpool player came through the Leeds youth system and made his debut for the club at just 16 years old.
Speaking to FourFourTwo, Milner was asked if he was gutted when he left his childhood club: “What little money the club owed me I gave up to help them and they got a transfer fee. So it was portrayed to me that it was in the best interests of the club due to all the financial difficulties. I thought I was doing the right thing by the club.
“It was very tough to get relegated and there were a lot of financial things going on.”
Milner played nearly 50 league games for Leeds United after making his debut for the Elland Road club in 2002.
However, due to the financial situation the former England international was offloaded by the West Yorkshire club when they were relegated to the second tier in 2004.
The likes of Rio Ferdinand, Jonathan Woodgate, Robbie Keane and Harry Kewell also left Leeds United during that period between, due to their dire financial situation.
Milner went on to play for Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City and the 32 year old remains an important player for Liverpool.
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