James Milner at 40: How Liverpool U-turn sent ultimate pro towards Premier League record

James Milner, now 40, stands as one of football's ultimate professionals, poised to etch his name further into Premier League history through a remarkable Liverpool career marked by a pivotal U-turn.Milner made 332 appearances for Liverpool from 2015 to 2023, scoring 26 goals and winning major honors including the Premier League (2019-20), Champions League (2019), FA Cup (2022), and FIFA Club World Cup (2019)[2]. His journey to Anfield began with an initial rejection, only for fate and persistence to reverse course, propelling him toward all-time records.

Joining from Manchester City in 2015, Milner quickly became indispensable under Jürgen Klopp. Despite heartbreak in the 2017-18 Champions League final against Real Madrid, the 2018-19 season delivered 97 points in the Premier League—nearly enough for the title—and a sixth European Cup in Madrid[2]. The following year, Liverpool amassed a club-record 99 points to secure their first league title in 30 years, with Milner contributing 22 appearances[1][2]. He also lifted the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup, beating Flamengo 1-0 in 2019[1].

Milner's durability shone through records: on March 19, 2017, he scored in a 1-1 draw vs. Manchester City, breaking the mark for most unbeaten matches with a goal (47)[1]. In 2022-23, he hit 300 Liverpool games, 600 Premier League appearances, and rose to third all-time with 610 outings[1]. By January 22, 2024, his 633rd Premier League match against Wolves surpassed Ryan Giggs for second place, trailing only Gareth Barry's 653[1]. He became the first to win at Old Trafford with four clubs, totaling 11 victories there[1].

Leaving Anfield in 2023 after 43 games that season, Milner bid an emotional farewell, having played more for Liverpool than any other club. "I'm Leeds through and through... but I never probably thought that another club would get into me as much as Liverpool has," he reflected[2]. At 40, his professionalism and U-turn decision position him for even greater longevity in the Premier League.

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