‘An absolute legend’ – Milner lauded after goals at 16 and 39

James Milner, 16, probably would not have anticipated scoring another Premier League goal against Sunderland 23 years later when he scored his first goal for Leeds against Sunderland in 2002.

He became the second-oldest goalscorer in the Premier League by turning in from the penalty spot in Brighton’s 2-1 victory over his former club Manchester City at the age of 39 years and 239 days, making him the second-youngest player at the age of 16 years and 356 days.

When asked about the spot-kick that ended Brighton’s comeback success and ended Erling Haaland’s opener, Milner responded, “it’s not the easiest thing, but my experience helped.”

That highlights a distinguishing feature of his personality and career. Few players can match his level of involvement in the top flight with 640 Premier League appearances.

His goal put an end to a six-year drought that started when he scored for Liverpool at Leicester City in 2019. However, the gap, which is only the 50th longest in the Premier League, is now 2075 days.

Joe Hart, Milner’s former City and England teammate, described the versatile player as “still looks fit and fresh” after turning 40 in January.

Milner has scored in the Premier League against goalkeepers born in the 1960s, 1970s, 1990s, and 2000s because of how long his career has lasted.

Former Chelsea stopper Mark Schwarzer referred to him as “an absolute legend of the game.”

Milner claimed he thought he might not have been able to continue playing after only four appearances last season due to injury.

However, he was “delighted” to have come off the bench to help the club win their first league game after being given a one-year contract extension by Brighton.

Milner, who won three Premier League titles with Manchester City and Liverpool, admitted that “I thought last season might be my last because of injury.”

“I’m happy for the boys that we got it (the goal),” he said. We didn’t believe we received what we deserved in the first two games. A true team effort was made for this victory.

Hart claimed that Milner, 39, was still “doing himself great credit” by maintaining his top position.

On BBC Radio 5 Live, the former keeper remarked, “James Milner is awesome. What a man.” “I was certain Milner would take the ball when the player was defending it.” He merits a lot of praise for himself.

He is approaching 40 and still appears to be in good shape and good form.

Milner was a “very important personality and player” for the Seagulls, according to Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler.

He told BBC Match of the Day, “He came on, brought energy, and organized it, so I’m happy for him.”

In a career spanning more than 20 years, Milner has represented Leeds, Swindon, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Brighton.

He said Diogo Jota, a former Liverpool teammate, meant a lot to him and that it is honor “to wear the same number as the Portuguese, who died with his brother Andre Silva in a car crash back in July.

I didn’t think I’d score too many goals this season, but Milner said it was probably because of his shirt’s number, which he copied from Jota’s celebrations.

He continued, “What happened to him was horrific],” he said in a BBC Match of the Day interview. He was a fantastic teammate and a great guy. I had both feelings for him.