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As James Milner reflected on becoming the Premier League’s record appearance holder last weekend, his mind may have wondered back to last season – when a milestone that has long seemed inevitable felt like a distant dream.
Milner was expected to be sidelined for only a few weeks after limping out of a draw with Arsenal in August 2024. However, complications with a routine knee operation meant that six months later he was still unable to lift his foot or toes.
‘Things change quickly in football, especially when you get to my age,’ Milner recalled at Brighton’s training ground this week, speaking to a group of reporters at a briefing to mark his incredible achievement.
‘When I look at where I was last year, not being able to lift my foot for six months…
‘I think most people, including the surgeon, the physio and those who understood the injury thought I was finished at my age.’
After an arduous, near nine-month recovery, the 40-year-old – who celebrated his record with characteristic humility – returned from the bench for the final minutes of Brighton’s game at Tottenham on the last day of the season.
James Milner became the Premier League’s record appearance holder (654) last weekend
Milner is now in his 24th consecutive Premier League season and is a legend of the league (pictured as a 16-year-old during his debut campaign for Leeds back in 2002-03)
The determination, professionalism and resilience required to battle back from a career-threatening injury are hallmarks of a man who made the first of his 654 Premier League appearances as a 16-year-old for Leeds United on November 10, 2002. That was nearly three years before his current midfield colleague, Jack Hinshelwood, was born.
‘It was that desire to prove people wrong that probably means I’m still playing now,’ added Milner, who managed only four appearances in 2024-25.
‘I wanted to prove that I could recover from the injury and not let my career end in a way that wasn’t in my control.
‘It might still might happen, but that was the drive. I don’t think many people believed I could return.’
Milner, who surpassed his former England, Man City and Aston Villa team-mate Gareth Barry to claim the record, boasts a resume that includes 61 England caps and impressive spells at Leeds, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Man City, Liverpool and Brighton – plus a brief loan stint at Swindon as a 17-year-old.
His enduring popularity and respect within the game was evident in the tributes that poured in last Saturday, and you’d be hard pressed to find fans of any of his former clubs with a negative word to say about him.
Milner admitted his phone ‘blew up’ with messages, including one exchange with Barry, who he credits for encouraging him to take up yoga during the latter part of his career.
Despite his age, Milner remains in exceptional condition, with no grey hairs in sight. His triceps strain against his training top, though he jokes his ankles crack when he tries to sneak quietly into his children’s rooms to kiss them goodnight.
He is engaging company too, frequently drawing laughter with his self-deprecating humour.
Milner pictured with previous record holder Gareth Barry in 2005 during their Aston Villa days
He suffered a career-threatening injury last season but battled back to take the record
Milner’s desire to prove doubters wrong has been a recurring theme throughout his career.
Perhaps most notably, when Graeme Souness – then Newcastle manager – loaned him to Aston Villa for the 2005-06 campaign, he said: ‘You won’t win the league with James Milners’.
Souness was dismissed the following February and Milner has gone on to win three Premier League titles – twice with Man City and once with Liverpool, where he also lifted the Champions League.
In spite of his achievements, the motivation burns as strongly as ever in a player who has worked under 21 managers.
‘You always have your doubters no matter what you achieve,’ added Milner, who credits his father Peter for instilling that mentality. ‘You want to be the best, and proving people wrong has always been at the forefront of my mind.’
This week, Milner was presented with three Guinness World Records; the most Premier League appearances (654), most consecutive Premier League seasons played (24), and the longest period between a player’s first and last Premier League goals (22 years and 248 days).
Milner has won three Premier League titles despite previously facing doubts over his ability
Milner said he is ‘very open’ to signing a new contract at Brighton and playing another season
He may now have his sights on surpassing Teddy Sheringham’s record as the oldest outfield player in Premier League history (40 years and 272 days). Milner is currently 40 years and 54 days old.
The midfielder is out of contract this summer, although Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has expressed a desire to keep him for another season. So what does the future hold?
‘I’m very open to playing another year,’ Milner explained. ‘Whether I will or not, I’m not sure. I haven’t had any conversations with the club yet and they have to want me as well.
‘Earlier in the season, I said let’s get to February and see where we’re at. We’re there now, so we’ll see what happens. I’m just doing my work every day, and hopefully the last few games showed I can still contribute on the pitch.’
Milner is undecided about moving into coaching when he eventually hangs up his boots, saying he plans to rest and take a break first. He insists he doesn’t fear retirement, though he may miss the structure of professional football and could turn to marathons to give himself a new challenge.
As the conversation draws to a close, Milner believes the best individual season of his career came at Aston Villa. He ranks being part of the beginning of Man City’s era of dominance and helping restore Liverpool to glory as his proudest achievements.
Above all, however, Milner is grateful.
‘When I was younger, if there was a bad first half, there could be teacups flying and walls punched in the dressing room,’ he said.
‘Things have changed, but there’s so much good in the game now as well. I just feel fortunate and lucky that I’ve played through, and been a part of, two eras.’
You would be foolish to write Milner off just yet.
