My dad was an England World Cup star but now I’m about to accomplish something he never could
GEORGE MILLS will accomplish something his former Premier League star dad never did on Saturday night — a run-out at the Stadio Olimpico.
Rome’s famous football stadium is hosting the 26th edition of the European Athletics Championships.
Danny Mills, winner of 19 England caps, kept the subs’ bench warm when Leeds played there twice in European competition in 2000.
In March 2000, the Whites drew 0-0 with Roma in the Uefa Cup and then in December, Lazio were defeated 1-0 in the Champions League.
Yet both times Mills, now 47, was an unused sub.
Fast forward 24 years and the Mills family will be in the Italian capital to see George race in the European men’s 5,000 metres final on his outdoor international debut.
All eyes will be on whether he — or fellow Brits Jack Rowe and James West — can challenge Norwegian Jakob Ingebrigtsen.
Mills Jr, 25, said: “It’s exciting to be in such an iconic stadium.
“I’ve watched football played there on the TV but never been before.
“It has a similar aura to Berlin’s Olympic stadium. It will be cool to step out there.
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“I’ve got the family coming out — my parents, one of my brothers, my sister and some family friends, too.
“Every part of you goes into a race thinking I can beat anyone there.
“But Jakob’s bloody good. He has won the last two world championships over 5k. I’ll try to put myself in the best positions to be up there.”
Mills has prepared by taking inspiration from four-time Olympic champion Mo Farah.
He said: “I’ve been recently watching a lot of Mo’s races from 2011-2013.
“Even ones that weren’t so successful to learn what 5k races can be like.
“I cannot give away all the secrets I’ve picked up, otherwise people will copy my homework!”