The record-setting midfielder set a new Premier League appearance mark and helped his side win 2-0 at Brentford in his 654th top-flight outing.
Milner has bounced back from a serious injury which wiped out the vast majority of last season and put a doubt over his continuation.
Fabioan Hurzeler gave him only his third Prem start since August, 2024, and his first since the 2-2 draw at West Ham in December, and was rewarded.
Milner is delighted to halt a winless run but said: “Keep working hard in training and the desire to keep going is the big thing.
“I love this group of players, I am desperate for us to do well and desperate to turn around this run we have been on.
“I am really enjoying being part of this group and number one for me is always that I have given everything for the team and the club to improve.
“I just want to contribute, to help the boys and to be part of the win was special.”
Milner said Hurzeler has kept belief high on a daily basis.
He said: “That starts with the manager and the messages he is sending and the training sessions and how he is setting up for games.
“It hasn’t got the rewards he deserves but he works so hard and it starts with him.
“The atmosphere at the training ground is not one of a team that has been struggling.”
Asked whether he had one more year left in him, he replied: “Let’s see.”
Albion physio Sean Duggan was among those who Milner thanked after the game.
He said: “Probably December last season, I think even Sean said himself he thought I’d maybe come in for two weeks and say that’s me done.
“It was pretty unlikely but I’m fortunate to have good people around me, people who believe.
“A good group of players, lads who are very young but hopefully they can keep me young and I can help them reach their potential as quickly as possible.”