SOCCER: Milner equals Barry's Premier League appearance record

BIRMINGHAM — Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder James Milner equaled the Premier League appearance record on Wednesday after coming off the bench in their match against Aston Villa, marking his 653rd top-flight game.

The 40-year-old veteran drew level with former England midfielder Gareth Barry for the most Premier League appearances in history. Milner has won three league titles during his career—two with Manchester City and one with Liverpool.

“It is a special night for James,” Brighton head coach Fabian Hürzeler said. “It’s no coincidence that he is still proving he can compete in the Premier League. It’s a pleasure to work with him and to have him in our squad as both a player and a role model.”

Milner made his Premier League debut with Leeds United in 2002 before later joining Newcastle United, where he made 94 league appearances. He went on to play 230 Premier League matches for Liverpool and 147 for Manchester City, while also having a previous spell with Aston Villa.

Milner’s longevity and consistency have made him one of the most respected figures in English football, with his latest appearance further cementing his place in Premier League history. -Reporting by Martyn HermanEditing by Toby Davis/Reuters