Ex-Liverpool star James Milner insists that he can still play into his FORTIES despite Brighton midfielder’s season being marred by injuries
James Milner wants to keep playing into his 40s after fighting back from a knee injury and complications that threatened to end his glittering career.
Milner came on for the closing minutes of Brighton’s victory at Tottenham on Sunday, his first appearance since August.
He was fit and ready to return from the knee surgery in December only to be set back by nerve damage.
‘I couldn’t lift my foot or my toes, not an ideal scenario,’ said the 39-year-old, renowned for his deadpan delivery. ‘I didn’t know whether I would be able to walk properly again let alone play football.
‘There was a chance I might not have come back at all. Nobody said quit. But with my age it was highly unlikely I would get back. I think that was one of the things that drove me most. My first aim was to try and get the knee as strong as possible which I did.’
Milner has been back in training for months but under medical orders to take it easy with any contact.
James Milner is determined to continue playing into his forties after missing Brighton’s season
Milner has been sidelined since the start of the campaign after picking up an injury in August
‘It’s been a long, tough road,’ he said. ‘I don’t think many would have come back from this. The medical staff have been incredible. We worked hard and thankfully it has paid off. I’ve just run out of time with the season. If the season was next week, I would be fit.’
Milner, who joined Brighton on a free from Liverpool in 2023, is out of contract.
‘I’d like him to be here next season, but we are in discussions, let’s see how he will come back,’ said Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler after the win at Spurs, and praised his contribution off the pitch.
Milner made his Premier League debut for Leeds at the age of 16 and won the title with both Manchester City and Liverpool. He lifted the FA Cup and League Cup with both clubs and the Champions League with Liverpool in 2019. He won 61 England caps from 2009-16.
His appearance for Brighton at Spurs on Sunday was his 881st in senior club football and hopes it won’t be the last.
‘I would like to keep playing,’ said Milner, who will be 40 in January. ‘I look at my fitness now and I feel good. I’ve definitely got another year left in me. We’re in talks with the club and quite close so it will be nice to be here and be part of the team and help the boys. Hopefully I can be part of it.’
