James Milner has set an unprecedented Premier League record by becoming the first player to feature in 23 seasons, surpassing Ryan Giggs. The 38-year-old Brighton midfielder achieved this milestone without even kicking a ball in the Seagulls’ match against Everton at Goodison Park.
Milner made his Premier League debut in 2002 with Leeds United at just 16 years old, quickly establishing himself as one of the youngest talents in the league. His early career saw him transition from Leeds to Newcastle United and then to Aston Villa, where he developed a reputation as a versatile and diligent midfielder.
James Milner’s career is a fascinating journey through English football, marked by consistency, adaptability, and success across multiple top clubs.
Peak years and Premier League titles
Milner’s career truly blossomed when he joined Manchester City in 2010. During his time at City, he won two Premier League titles (2011-12, 2013-14), an FA Cup, a League Cup, and a Community Shield. His contributions were pivotal in establishing City as a dominant force in English football.
In 2015, Milner made a significant move to Liverpool. Here, he added another Premier League title (2019-20) to his collection, along with a Champions League title (2018-19), a FIFA Club World Cup, and a UEFA Super Cup. His leadership and experience were invaluable to Liverpool’s resurgence under Jürgen Klopp.
Record-breaking longevity
Starting his 23rd season in the Premier League with Brighton, Milner has now surpassed the previous record held by Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs, who played 22 seasons. With 636 appearances, Milner is just 17 games shy of Gareth Barry’s record of 653 Premier League appearances. His age, 38, makes him seven years older than Brighton’s current manager, Fabian Hurzeler, highlighting his extraordinary longevity.
Milner’s exceptional fitness levels have allowed him to maintain a high level of performance well into his late 30s. He is widely respected for his professionalism, work ethic, and commitment to the game.
Milner’s versatility is one of his defining traits. Throughout his career, he has played in almost every outfield position, including midfield, full-back, and winger. His ability to adapt to different roles has made him an invaluable asset to every team he has played for. Moreover, his leadership qualities have shone through, often captaining his teams and serving as a role model for younger players.
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