‘Drive and hunger’ take Milner to Premier League appearance record

James Milner says his “drive and hunger” is the reason why he has broken the appearance record in the Premier League in Brighton’s win at Brentford on Saturday.

The 40-year-old former England midfielder was named in Fabian Hurzeler’s starting XI for his 654th Premier League match, beating the record set by Gareth Barry.

Milner had equalled the record in the game at Aston Villa, a club he represented from 2008 to 2010, on 11 February.

He said: “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.

Milner told Final Score that he would be going for a “meal with the family” to celebrate the achievement.

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.”

Brighton boss Hurzeler told BBC Match of the Day that Milner is a “role model on and off the pitch”.

Hurzeler added: “He was the leader, he communicated, he has a good understanding of the game, he knows his game, he is reliable. He waited long for this moment and we are happy for him.

“Not only experience but also quality. He was one of the best in training and I keep saying, ‘If you train well and keep pushing, you will get the chance’.

“He always puts the team first, always puts the club first. He is not only a role model on the pitch, but beside the pitch.

“On the pitch, he gives everything. I can never remember a day he didn’t give 100% effort. He is a role model.”

Wayne Rooney, who played 37 times for England alongside Milner, told BBC Sport: “Milly deserves to break the record. I think it’s well known how professional he is and how hard he’s worked all throughout his career.

“It’s an incredible record and it just shows that when you work hard, it pays off. He’s 40 now and players are playing until they’re a bit older nowadays.

Micah Richards, who played in the same Manchester City team as Milner 61 times, plus twice for England, told BBC Sport: “James is the nicest guy ever. The hardest-working pro I’ve ever worked with, he deserves everything he’s ever got in life.

“I played against him when he was at Newcastle and I always knew he was a top player, even from his time at Leeds when he was coming through with Aaron Lennon and everyone used to talk about him.

“To see his progression going from Leeds to Newcastle, then Villa, gets his move to Man City, wins the Premier League twice, goes to Liverpool, wins the league again… It’s just an incredible career in terms of attitude, application and ability.

Chris Sutton told Final Score: “Unbelievable. Still playing as an outfield player at 40 is a testament to his dedication and attitude.

“I always remember him being super fit as a youngster, but to have the career he has had, he is a really special player and still contributing.”

Sam Parkin, a team-mate of Milner’s while on loan at Swindon in 2003, added: “He came to Swindon on loan, we played about a dozen occasions together.

Milner has not played regularly since joining Brighton in 2023 and only three of his 16 Premier League appearances have been from the start.

Barry, who was Milner’s team-mate at Villa and City for 134 of their 653 games, had held the record since September 2017.

Milner, who won 61 caps for England, won the Premier League title twice with Manchester City and once with Liverpool.

He also won the FA Cup and the League Cup with both clubs – plus the Champions League with the Reds.