ByCharlotte CoatesBBC Sport journalist<\/p>\n
Updated 6 minutes ago<\/p>\n
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<\/a> on Saturday.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Milner had equalled the record in the game at Aston Villa<\/a>, a club he represented from 2008 to 2010, on 11 February.<\/p>\n He said: "It's the drive and hunger, you want to be the best every day, whether it's game or training. <\/p>\n "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.<\/p>\n "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.<\/p>\n "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."<\/p>\n Brighton<\/a> boss Hurzeler told BBC Match of the Day that Milner is a "role model on and off the pitch".<\/p>\n Milner made his debut as a 16-year-old for Leeds<\/a> in 2002 and has also played for Newcastle<\/a>, Villa, Manchester City<\/a> and Liverpool<\/a> in the top flight.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n "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'.<\/p>\n "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.<\/p>\n "On the pitch, he gives everything. I can never remember a day he didn't give 100% effort. He is a role model."<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n "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. <\/p>\n "We've seen that with [Cristiano] Ronaldo as well. It wouldn't surprise me if he goes on for another two or three years."<\/p>\n Micah Richards, who played in the same Manchester City<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n "I played against him when he was at Newcastle<\/a> and I always knew he was a top player, even from his time at Leeds<\/a> when he was coming through with Aaron Lennon and everyone used to talk about him.<\/p>\n "To see his progression going from Leeds<\/a> to Newcastle<\/a>, then Villa, gets his move to Man City, wins the Premier League twice, goes to Liverpool<\/a>, wins the league again… It's just an incredible career in terms of attitude, application and ability. <\/p>\n "He can play left, right, centre. His shooting technique is amazing as well. I can't be happy enough for him."<\/p>\n Chris Sutton told Final Score: "Unbelievable. Still playing as an outfield player at 40 is a testament to his dedication and attitude. <\/p>\n "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."<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n "He was too fit – he didn't join in with the apres [going out] with the League One lads at that time. He was so professional and so driven. He was a tricky winger in those days."<\/p>\n Milner has not played regularly since joining Brighton<\/a> in 2023 and only three of his 16 Premier League appearances have been from the start.<\/p>\n Barry, who was Milner's team-mate at Villa and City for 134 of their 653 games, had held the record since September 2017.<\/p>\n Milner, who won 61 caps for England, won the Premier League title twice with Manchester City<\/a> and once with Liverpool<\/a>.<\/p>\n He also won the FA Cup and the League Cup with both clubs – plus the Champions League with the Reds.<\/p>\n Milner's contract with Brighton<\/a> runs until the end of the season.<\/p>\nRelated topics<\/h2>\n