The Manchester City Project

James Milner has signed a 5 year deal at Manchester City. Milner takes the number 7 shirt this year and will be available for selection against Liverpool on Monday night. Unfortunately the deal was not signed in time for Milner to join the europa squad for Thursday's match.

Mancini told the club website: “I am very happy to have James with us, everybody knows we have admired him for some time.

“He is an excellent midfielder, who can play in a number of positions. This is important for the team, and I am looking forward to seeing him play for us. We have a very strong squad, and this signing is a very important one for us.

“James he is already a very good player, who has proved he can play at the very top level. But he is also young and a good character, I think he can also improve and be a great player for Manchester City for a long time.”

James Milner agreed personal terms and under went a medical in Manchester yesterday (Picture left of Milner after his medical last night).

The results of a scan from the medical were only made available this morning after a delay at the medical centre last night.

Meanwhile Superman Stephen Ireland was in Birmingham putting the finishing touches to his move to Aston Villa as part of the deal. He too completed his move to Aston Villa this afternoon.

Manchini said of City's player of the season 2008/09: “I hope things go well for Stevie at Villa. He is also a very good player, and he has played a big part in City’s history. I think he will enjoy the change of being at another club, and I hope he does well for Aston Villa."

James Milner reported on the city website said: "It didn't take too much selling by the boss when you see the players who are already here and the plans for the club.

"The last thing he said to me was 'be ready for the next game', and then he said 'be ready to win the Premier League', and that's my ultimate aim - that's what I want to do and why I'm here.

"There's a lot of competition to get there, it's where we all want to be. I'm ambitious and I want to win trophies here. I believe this is a great place to do that and I believe we will do it. Hopefully, sooner rather than later."


James Milner Facts

James Milner made his Premier League debut at 16, becoming the second youngest player to play in the Premiership in 2002.

On Boxing Day 2002 he became the youngest player to score in the premier league.

In 2004 Milner signed for Newcastle from Leeds for £3.6 million. In 2008 he signed for Aston Villa following a loan spell back in 2005.

James Milner had a sensational season at Villa last term, starting on the flank before making the central midfield position his own. As rewards for his efforts he was voted player of the season at Villa and his goal against Sunderland was voted Villas goal of the season. He was also crowned PFA Young Player of the season.

Aston Villa's Goal Of The Season against Sunderland

Milner played for England during the world cup in which he was one of the better players, although that isn't saying much! He provided the assist for Defoes goal in the World Cup.

Milner is also the most capped England Under-21 player.

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