James Milner marked his record-breaking 654th Premier League appearance with a win for Brighton against Brentford
James Milner marked his record-breaking 654th Premier League appearance with a win for Brighton against Brentford
Former Liverpool star James Milner made history on Saturday by setting a new appearance record, and then insisted that the only thing he had been thinking about was getting three points for Brighton.
The 40-year-old ex-Anfield favourite, who won the league title with the Reds in 2020, a year after clinching the European Cup, was named in Fabian Hurzeler's starting XI today for the trip to Brentford. It was 654th Premier League appearance, surpassing the previous record held by former Aston Villa and midfielder Gareth Barry.
Yorkshireman Milner marked the occassion by helping the Seagulls to an impressive 2-0 away win against the Bees, but when he was asked about his remarkable achievement after the match, he was typically reluctant to talk about himself.
Speaking to Sky Sports, said: "I've been asked about it but it was so important to get the win today. I'm delighted. I always want to play a part in the team, improving and getting better and winning games. I've managed to play more minutes in the last few and it was nice to contribute and get the win.
"To pass the mark, it's obviously a big number, and it's not something I've really concentrated on to be honest. There's been a lot of talk around it, but for me - anyone that knows me knows that it's all about the team. But it's a good opportunity to give the nod to everyone who's helped me to get there.
"For the family and the sacrifices that they've made. Family and friends, physios, sports scientists, things like that. I've been fortunate enough to get there and work with good clubs and good people, but I'm so happy to get the win today and the three points."
started his career at Leeds United, where he came through the youth ranks before making his Premier League debut in 2002 at the age of 16. He had spells with Newcastle United and Aston Villa before joining Manchester City in 2010, where he would win two Premier League titles, the and .
He joined (then managed by Brendan Rodgers) on a free transfer in the summer of 2015, aged 29. Some felt that he was too old to be joining the Reds and had already reached his peak at City, but the versatile star made a mockery of such claims, spending eight seasons at and making 332 appearances - more than he has made for any other club.
During his time on Merseyside under , he won the Premier League, the FA Cup, the League Cup, the Super Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA , as well as finishing runner-up in the competition a further two times.
, Klopp said: "A lot is often made of James’ leadership skills and his influence in the dressing room, and of course that’s correct and justified, but nobody should overlook his quality on the pitch, where he continues to perform to a level that meant we simply couldn’t afford to lose him.
“His professionalism is the benchmark for any athlete and it’s why he sets the tone for this team with his ability and attitude. We had the longest campaign possible last season and Millie only got stronger and better and more influential as it went on."
Milner eventually left Liverpool in June 2023 on the expiry of his contract and joined Brighton & Hove Albion, where he remains today. His staggering 24-year career is all the more remarkable because he has spent the entirerity of it playing the Premier League.
Liverpool left-back and former teammate Andy Robertson paid tribute to Milner via social media on Saturday. Posting on , the Scotland captain wrote: "The Kop is right, there’s ‘only ‘one !’ Most Premier League appearances ever. An unbelievable achievement and one I can’t see ever getting overtaken.
"I’m sure everyone will talk about mentality and character- and they’re right but what a footballer. Technical ability and creativity. I feel very lucky I got to play with you for so long.
"Cracks me up how much the man himself will be hating all the fuss and attention. Suck it up Jimmy… gonna have to accept there’s a lot of people out there who appreciate how good you are. Proud to be able to call you my mate."
In his own social media tribute, Liverpool's longest-serving current player, Joe Gomez, wrote: "One of the biggest influences on my career on and off the pitch. The epitome of hard worjk and an unbelievable player. Grateful to have shared a dresing room with you. Congratulations on such a big milestone."
Milner's current manager, Hurzeler, echoed the sentiment of the player's former teammates with his own comments before the Brentford match. He told Sport: "I think it's difficult to sum him up with one word or a sentence. He's a role model on the pitch and beside the pitch.
"There's no surprise why he's there where he is at the moment because he has such a great discipline. He has such a great effort every day and he is never satisfied. He keeps going and it's a great opportunity for him.
"It's a great day for him to show us again why he is the record-holder regarding the Premier League games."
Milner did not disclose how he will mark the milestone this evening, but Liverpool's Mr Reliable will probably do so by enjoying a Ribena on the sofa at home.
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