Liverpool midfielder James Milner said on Monday he hopes a European Super League (ESL) does not happen despite his club being one of 12 teams to sign up to a breakaway. The English champions have teamed up with Premier League rivals Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal for the proposed 20-team competition. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan are the other founder members of the plan. However, speaking after Liverpool's 1-1 draw at Leeds in the Premier League, Milner joined governments, governing bodies, fans and other players to criticise the proposals. 

"There is a lot of questions. I can only say my personal opinion, I don't like it and hopefully it doesn't happen," said Milner, who was Liverpool skipper for the fixture in the absence of the injured Jordan Henderson. Fans from both clubs protested outside Elland Road before kick-off with the plans fiercely criticised by supporters' groups as a cynical attempt by club owners to make more money. "For the same reasons everyone else has been talking about it," added Milner on why he was against the plans.