James Milner has broken the Premier League appearance record in Brighton’s game at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The 40-year-old former England midfielder was named in Fabian Hurzeler’s starting XI for his 654th Premier League match, beating the record set by Gareth Barry.
Milner equalled the record in the game at Aston Villa, a club he represented from 2008 to 2010, on Wednesday, 11 February.
Brighton boss Hurzeler told BBC Match of the Day that Milner is a “role model on and off the pitch”.
Milner made his debut as a 16-year-old for Leeds in 2002 and has also played for Newcastle, Villa, Manchester City and Liverpool in the top flight.Media caption,
‘You knew Milner would be a success’ – Micah Richards
Hurzeler added: “There’s no surprise why he’s where he is at the moment – because he has such great discipline.
“He has such a great effort every day and he is never satisfied.
“It’s a great day for him to show us again why he is the record-holder regarding the Premier League games.”
Wayne Rooney, who played 37 times for England alongside Milner, told BBC Sport: “Milly deserves to break the record. I think it’s well known how professional he is and how hard he’s worked all throughout his career.
“It’s an incredible record and it just shows that when you work hard, it pays off. He’s 40 now and players are playing until they’re a bit older nowadays.
“We’ve seen that with [Cristiano] Ronaldo as well. It wouldn’t surprise me if he goes on for another two or three years.”Media caption,
‘Very, very special’ – Alan Shearer hails James Milner’s longevity
Micah Richards, who played in the same Manchester City team as Milner 61 times, plus twice for England, told BBC Sport: “James is the nicest guy ever. The hardest-working pro I’ve ever worked with, he deserves everything he’s ever got in life.
“I played against him when he was at Newcastle and I always knew he was a top player, even from his time at Leeds when he was coming through with Aaron Lennon and everyone used to talk about him.
“To see his progression going from Leeds to Newcastle, then Villa, gets his move to Man City, wins the Premier League twice, goes to Liverpool, wins the league again… It’s just an incredible career in terms of attitude, application and ability.
“He can play left, right, centre. His shooting technique is amazing as well. I can’t be happy enough for him.”
Chris Sutton told Final Score: “Unbelievable. Still playing as an outfield player at 40 is a testament to his dedication and attitude.
“I always remember him being super fit as a youngster, but to have the career he has had, he is a really special player and still contributing.”
Sam Parkin, a team-mate of Milner’s while on loan at Swindon in 2003, added: “He came to Swindon on loan, we played about a dozen occasions together.
“He was too fit – he didn’t join in with the apres [going out] with the League One lads at that time. He was so professional and so driven. He was a tricky winger in those days.”
Milner has not played regularly since joining Brighton in 2023 and only three of his 16 Premier League appearances have been from the start.
Barry, who was Milner’s team-mate at Villa and City for 134 of their 653 games, has held the record since September 2017.
Milner, who won 61 caps for England, won the Premier League title twice with Manchester City and once with Liverpool.
He also won the FA Cup and the League Cup with both clubs – plus the Champions League with the Reds.
Milner’s contract runs until the end of the season.
Source: BBC
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