James Milner made his return to Liverpool on Saturday for the first time since equalling the Premier League’s all-time appearance record.
230 of his 653 appearances came for the Reds in a trophy-laden spell between 2015 and 2023.
During that time, Milner‘s professionalism helped shape the ethos at Liverpool, making him a real role model for youngsters such as Curtis Jones, who was coming through at the time.
Who gets your vote for man of the match in an excellent win over Brighton, and why?
The Reds are BACK
Curtis Jones points to the Anfield stand in celebration during Liverpool's FA Cup match against Brighton & Hove Albion
Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images
The two players’ paths collided again on Saturday, with Jones playing a key role in Liverpool’s FA Cup win over Milner’s Brighton.
Although the former Reds vice-captain did not get onto the pitch at Anfield, he still made an impact away from it, taking part in Jones’ post-match interview as he showed off some yoga moves.
James Milner still popular with Liverpool camera crew
Jones was the man of the moment for Liverpool on Saturday, scoring the game’s opening goal and doing well in an unfamiliar right-back role.
The way he slotted in at full-back was reminiscent of Milner, who played a whole season at left-back under Jurgen Klopp in 2016/17.
James Milner and Curtis Jones warm up ahead of Liverpool's Premier League match against Southampton at St Mary's Stadium
Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
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Interviewed by LFCTV after the game, Jones was asked by interviewer Peter McDowell to comment on Milner, who it was revealed was watching on from behind the camera.
“I’m not going to say a lot because he’s smiling in the background!” laughed the Scouser. “But yeah, a man I look up to, a man that’s guided me from a kid, he set the bar high in terms of all the games that he’s played. He’s a great athlete and a professional, if you can turn it around now and see what he’s doing! There you go, Milly!”
The camera then swings behind McDowell, revealing Milner and fellow veteran Danny Welbeck doing some yoga stretches on mats in the Anfield tunnel.
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Curtis Jones of Liverpool FC during the UEFA Champions League match between Galatasaray v Liverpool at the Rams Park
Credit: Gerrit van Keulen/Soccrates/Getty Images
“But yeah, he’s a big part of why I am the way I am,” Jones says, camera firmly back on him. “He was a winger and then he played in centre-mid, had to play as a full-back as well. So, he’s a big part of the way my mindset is the way it is.”
Will Milner retire this summer?
Now aged 40, it is a real credit to Milner that he still goes to the effort of doing these post-match warm downs even when he hasn’t featured.
Welbeck is another shining example in this light as well, with the 35-year-old still vitally important to Brighton.
Milner is less crucial to Fabian Hurzeler having only played 17 times this season. With his contract up at the end of the campaign, it will be fascinating to see where he goes next.
For many, the time will have come for Milner to finally hang up his boots. Injuries have gripped him since he joined Brighton in 2023 and having reached the Premier League appearance record maybe he will see fit to call it a day.
If he does, Liverpool could do far worse than looking to get him back at Anfield on the coaching staff.
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