Former Liverpool midfielder James Milner has broken the Premier League appearance record with his 654th game for Brighton, surpassing Gareth Barry, and the 40-year-old has hinted he is not ready to retire just yet
Daniel Orme Trends Writer
10:23, 22 Feb 2026
James Milner has broken a Premier League record
James Milner has broken a Premier League record(Image: Getty Images)
James Milner has hinted that hanging up his boots isn't in his immediate plans after setting a new record for the most Premier League appearances.
The former Liverpool and Manchester City ace was in the starting line-up for Brighton during the team's 2-0 victory over Brentford on Saturday. This marked his 654th match in the competition, breaking the record held by his former City colleague Gareth Barry.
Now aged 40, Milner was quizzed about what has contributed to his enduring career. The Reds icon said: "It's the drive and hunger, you want to be the best every day, whether it's game or training.
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"I'm surrounded by a lot of young lads, I want to contribute to their careers, push them, and help them get to the highest level as quick as possible.
"That's what I'm here to do. I feel like I can still contribute minutes. I've been a bit frustrated this year, maybe not getting the minutes, but it's a fine balance because, of course, we have to develop players as well, and we want to win."
Milner will soon need to make a decision regarding his future. The seasoned pro's contract expires at the end of the season, but it seems he is not contemplating retirement just yet.
Milner won several trophies at Liverpool
Milner won several trophies at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
He added: "Hopefully I've proved the last few games that I can still contribute on the pitch. I'm delighted to be part of it and the dressing room, it's full of incredible characters and very good players, and a good up-and-coming manager.
"Things change quickly in football. When you get older, things can change quickly. With the injury I had last season, I couldn't lift my foot for six months. I'll keep pushing, let's see where that takes us."
Milner received numerous tributes ahead of stepping onto the pitch for Brighton. Former Liverpool colleague Jordan Henderson was among those offering praise.
Henderson remarked: "I was very lucky to have Milly as my vice-captain at Liverpool, although I didn't see him as that. I saw us as a pair of captains.
"He helped me tremendously, not only on the pitch but off it, too. We had a really good professional relationship.
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"We called it good cop, bad cop - I'll let you work out which one was which. We also had a great friendship off the field; our wives are still close and speak a lot."
Milner launched his career at Leeds before featuring for Newcastle, Aston Villa, City, and Liverpool in the top flight prior to joining Brighton in 2023.
Throughout his career, he has also accumulated 61 England caps, with his most recent appearance coming in 2016.