James Milner has written himself into the Premier League record books by becoming its all-time appearance maker after playing his 654th game.
The 40-year-old achieved the feat on Saturday after starting in Brighton and Hove Albion’s 2-0 win at Brentford.
In playing for the Seagulls, the midfielder has surpassed the long-time record that was previously held by Gareth Barry.
James Milner credits ‘drive and hunger’ for landmark feat
Reflecting on what has allowed him to play for 24 seasons, Milner told BBC Sport: ‘It’s the drive and hunger, you want to be the best every day, whether it’s game or training.
‘I’m surrounded by a lot of young lads. I want to contribute to their careers, push them and help them get to the highest level as quick as possible. That’s what I’m here to do.
‘I feel like I can still contribute minutes. I’ve been a bit frustrated this year, maybe not getting the minutes, but it’s a fine balance because of course we have to develop players as well and we want to win.
‘Hopefully, I’ve proved the last few games that I can still contribute on the pitch. I’m delighted to be part of it and the dressing room, it’s full of incredible characters and very good players, and a good up-and-coming manager.’
James Milner on how football has changed since his Premier League debut
Milner equalled the record of his former Aston Villa, Manchester City and England team-mate on February 11 when he came on as when he came on as an early substitute for the Seagulls’ in their 1-0 defeat at Villa Park.
He has enjoyed a distinguished career spanning more than two decades in the English top-flight, winning the Premier League three times – twice at Manchester City and once at Liverpool.
Milner started his professional career as a 16-year-old at boyhood club Leeds United before joining Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and then Brighton.
When he was asked how the game has evolved since his debut in 2002, he replied: ‘It’s changed a lot. The first tackle was free when I came through as a winger. You were getting the ball to feet and getting launched and that was play on.
‘You see some of the boys’ shin pads now, you wouldn’t have got away with that back then because the tackles were a bit stronger.
‘Some things were better back then, some things are better now. I feel blessed that I have managed to play in two different eras and learn a lot.
‘You go back to the managers of Terry Venables, Sir Bobby Robson, Huzerlers, Jurgen Klopps, Roberto Di Zerbis, I feel blessed that I have been able to learn so much and play under these guys.’
As well as his three Premier League titles, his stellar career includes nine other major honours – such as a Champions League (Liverpool), two FA Cups (Liverpool and Manchester City) and two League Cups (Liverpool and Manchester City).
He also won 61 England caps, scoring once.
