Brighton veteran James Milner has spoken about the ‘tough’ decision he faces over his playing career at the end of the season.
The 40-year-old recently broke the record for the highest number of Premier League appearances, and he has since asserted himself as a key player for the Seagulls over the past few weeks.
Brighton have seen a major upturn in form since the ex-Manchester City star has been named in their starting XI. Milner has added experience and composure to the heart of the Seagulls’ midfield, leading to the club picking up four wins in their last five Premier League fixtures.
Nevertheless, the Englishman is heading into the final few months of his contract at the Amex Stadium, and the prospect of retiring at the end of the campaign remains a real possibility.
Despite his recent improved minutes, Milner is refusing to rule out all options given that he has become one of the few players in Premier League history to play into their 40s.
Asked by GOAL whether he is looking to extend his playing career, the midfielder explained: “I think it’s a really tough one. I think I’m undecided as well.
“I think things change very quickly in football anyway, especially when you get to my age and how things have changed in a year from where I was not being able to lift my foot to now I’m back playing in the Premier League and even a few months ago I wasn’t getting too many minutes.
“I started a few games recently and we’ve won a few games, so things change very quickly and it’s a tough decision.
“Physically, I still feel good. Mentally, I feel good to keep going. But what do you do? Do you go until you can’t physically go anymore? Do you go until you lose the love for it? Or do you stop before that point comes? No one knows when it comes, I suppose.”
Milner went on to explain that he is likely to make the big decision at the end of the season, despite Hurzeler publicly revealing that he wants his No. 20 to be a part of his squad next season previously.
He continued: “I think it’s a really tricky one and one that you have to take day by day and think about when options come and at the end of the season and see where we’re at. But at this moment in time, physically, I’m very well looked after at the club in terms of the physios knowing exactly how much you need to do.
“I feel like I’m still contributing on the pitch and helping Brighton and that’s always the most important thing to me. I want to contribute on and off the field to the club and my team-mates, and that’s what I’m focusing on at this time. Those decisions will come, I’m sure of that, but at this moment I’m just focusing on my day to day and trying to help Brighton.”