Reaction from Brighton’s 2-0 Premier League win at Brentford
Brighton midfielder James Milner is relieved he can now stop talking about the Premier League appearance record after he helped them to a vital win at Brentford.
Milner, 40, delivered a fine display on the heart of the midfield as Albion enjoyed a much-needed 2-0 win at the Gtech Stadium thanks to goals from Diego Gomez and Danny Welbeck.
It was a record breaking moment for Milner as he made his 654th top flight appearance and surpassed Garth Barry’s all-time Premier League appearance record.
"It will be nice to stop talking about it,” quipped Milner after Brighton’s first win in seven Premier League matches lifted them 10 points clear of the drop zone.
“It was so important to get the win today. I always want to play a part in the team, improving and getting better and winning games.
"To pass the mark [654 games] it's obviously a big number, but it's not something I've really concentrated on. Anyone who knows me knows I'm all about the team.
"It’s a good opportunity to give a nod to everyone who has helped me get here - family, friends, physios and sports scientist. I've been fortunate to get there working with a lot of good clubs and people."
Milner added: "The physios, sports scientists that have supported me, Sean Duggan the physio at Brighton who when I couldn't lift my foot for six months last year helped get me back on the field.
To be honest, it'll be nice to stop getting asked about it and concentrate on my football. I'm desperate to do well for Brighton and finish the season strongly and I'm just pleased in the last two games to play more minutes and have the opportunity to help the team."
Eases pressure on Brighton
The win eases pressure on Brighton as their recent poor run saw them slip from Champions League contention to relegation trouble. It placed the players and head coach Fabian Hurzeler under huge pressure to get a result at seventh placed Brentford.
Milner added: “Huge win, so important for us. I feel we have been unfortunate in recent games and weeks, it seems we haven't got the rewards we deserved.
"The boys have stuck together, the team spirit has been outstanding in tough times. The manager kept us going and the boys stuck together, I thought we deserved that today against a tough team.”
Rooney on Milner
Wayne Rooney: "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."
Micah Richards on Milner
“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."
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