- James Milner first made his Premier League debut in 2002-03 for Leeds United
- The Brighton midfielder is only 21 games shy of Gareth Barry’s record of 653
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James Milner has joined Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs in second on the Premier League’s all-time appearances list after taking to the field against West Ham on Tuesday.
Milner has spent over 21 years as a Premier League footballer, featuring in every single season since 2002-03 when he made his debut for Leeds United aged just 16 under Terry Venables.
The former England international went on to win the competition on three occasions so far, most recently with Liverpool in 2019-20, following two with Manchester City.
Gareth Barry currently leads Giggs and Milner – tied on 632 – by 21, meaning that should Milner remain at Brighton he could potentially even snatch the title from his old team-mate.
Prior to Tuesday evening’s clash in East London, though, Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi backed his midfielder to go on beyond the end of this season in the top-flight.
James Milner drew level with Ryan Giggs as the second-highest appearance-maker in the Premier League
Gareth Barry currently holds the record on 653 – just 21 clear of Milner in second place
‘His energy is great and he can play for years. James’ quality is clear but his energy, passion and attitude is more important.
‘He’s won everything in football, but if you watch him in training sessions, he is helping us to reach higher levels.’
His current deal at the Amex is up at the end of the season, although there is an option for a further 12 months that would give him a chance to add the record to his fabled career in English football.
Milner has won almost every club trophy available, missing just the Europa League from his cabinet that contains seven different honours.
Giggs is the most decorated Premier League player of all time with 13 titles at Man United
Milner joined the Seagulls over the summer at the end of his contract with Liverpool
With Liverpool he got his hands on a Premier League title, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, FA Cup and Carabao Cup, as well as a Community Shield.
He also earned himself a top-flight crown, Community Shield and both English club cup competitions with Manchester City.
In total Milner has turned out for six top-flight clubs after signing for Brighton over summer from Liverpool following Man City, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Leeds.
He has amassed 57 goals and has provided 91 assists, his most fruitful campaign coming for Villa in 2009-10 with nine goals and 12 assists.
