The Premier League has a new record holder since the weekend: James Milner was his usual modest self after his 654th appearance in the English top flight—and gave special thanks to a physiotherapist.
Of course, he had to be pushed. Into the front row and then right to the front. James Milner was visibly uncomfortable being celebrated by the away fans late on Saturday afternoon after the 2-0 away win at Brentford FC. But the occasion was simply too big to just move on to the order of the day: the now 40-year-old is the new Premier League record player.
His German coach Fabian Hürzeler even named him in the starting lineup for his 654th appearance, which saw him overtake his buddy Gareth Barry. Milner played the full 90 minutes before being substituted and receiving a standing ovation from the entire stadium. And then he received a separate ovation from his own fans.
“There’s been a lot of talk about it,” Milner began in an interview with the BBC: “For me, and anyone who knows me knows this, the most important thing has always been the team.” The veteran is therefore particularly pleased that he was on the pitch against Villa and Brentford. “I hope people see that I can still contribute.”
Barry’s old record had stood since 2017. Now a new era is beginning. But Milner is especially happy when people stop talking about it: “To be honest, it would be nice if I wasn’t asked about it anymore and could focus on my football. I really want to perform well for Brighton and finish the season strong.” He has made 16 appearances in the Premier League, 13 of them as a substitute.
“When I couldn’t lift my foot for six months”
Milner made his debut in England’s top flight in the 2002/03 season while still wearing the Leeds United jersey. Incidentally, the model athlete was just 16 years old at the time—and remains the second-youngest debutant in league history to this day.
“It’s a big number, and it’s nice to hold this record, but it’s also an opportunity to thank all the people who have helped me: my family and friends who have been there from the beginning and for the sacrifices they have made,” Milner explained. His companions also included “physiotherapists and sports scientists.” He gave special thanks to one person in particular: “Sean Duggan, the physiotherapist in Brighton, helped me get back on the pitch last year when I couldn’t lift my foot for six months.”
Hürzeler’s nomination to the starting lineup for the away win was anything but a gift. “He’s still in great shape,” confirmed his coach: “Every week and in every training session, he runs the most, sprints the most, so it’s no surprise that he’s capable of such performances.”
Milner’s highly professional attitude particularly impresses Hürzeler. “When you see how he treats his body, I don’t know what else he will achieve and how long he will continue to play. I just enjoy working with him.“
The Leeds-born model professional is not yet thinking about ending his career, but after all his experiences in recent years, he prefers to live in the moment: ”Who knows how long I’ll continue playing? Things change quickly in soccer. I’ll keep going and we’ll just see where that takes us.”
