James Milner opens up on nightmare injury layoff as ex-Liverpool star sets Premier League record

James Milner now stands alone as the player with the most Premier League appearances of all time, after featuring in Brighton's win over Brentford on Saturday

James Milner has made more Premier League appearances than any other player(Image: MI News/NurPhoto)

James Milner revealed how he couldn't lift his foot for six months during an injury-plagued 2024-25 season, after he broke the Premier League's all-time appearance record today.

Milner, 40, moved past Gareth Barry in the record books as he made his 654th top-flight appearance during Brighton's 2-0 victory away to Brentford.

Revealing what keeps him motivated to keep playing despite having achieved all there is to achieve in club soccer, former Liverpool star Milner 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.

"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."

Milner was asked how long he plans to continue playing but would not put a time frame on it.

"Who knows? Things change quickly in football," Milner said. "When you get older things can change quickly. With the injury I had last season I couldn't lift my foot for six months. I'll keep pushing, let's see where that takes us."

Milner made his record-breaking appearance in Brighton's win over Brentford(Image: 2026 Pedro Porru/MB Media)

Now that the record has been achieved, Milner said that he will be happy for the focus to move away from him.

"There's been a lot of talk about it," he said. "For me, anyone who knows me, the most important thing has always been the team.

"I'm delighted I was able to play a few more minutes today and at [Aston] Villa and hopefully people can see I can still contribute to the team.

"It's a big number and it's nice to get top the record but it's an opportunity to give a nod to so many people who have helped me, the family and friends who have been there from the start, the sacrifice they've made.

"The physios, sports scientists that have supported me, Sean Duggan the physio at Brighton who when I couldn't lift my foot for six months last year helped get me back on the field.

"To be honest, it'll be nice to stop getting asked about it and concentrate on my football. I'm desperate to do well for Brighton and finish the season strongly and I'm just pleased in the last two games to play more minutes and have the opportunity to help the team."