James Milner became a certified Premier League legend on Saturday after making his 654th appearance in the top flight of English football.
Milner played for Brighton and Hove Albion in their match against Brentford and has now made the most appearances of any player in Premier League history.
The English star, 40, surpassed Gareth Barry’s record.
Milner, who is playing in his 24th top-flight campaign, has played for Leeds, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Brighton.
Following his 654th appearance, tennis legend Boris Becker has reacted to Milner’s achievement on social media.
Boris Becker’s two-word reaction to James Milner’s record
Boris Becker, a three-time Wimbledon champion, has weighed in on Milner’s remarkable accomplishment in a post on X [formerly Twitter].
On X, a video was posted showing Milner receiving a round of applause from his Brighton teammates as he entered the away dressing room at the GTech Stadium in Brentford.
Replying to the post, Becker [pictured below] offered a short response: “Unbelievable accomplishment.”
Becker, an avid football fan, has been a lifelong supporter of German giants Bayern Munich.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match against Brentford, Milner reflected on his achievement.
He said: “It’s passed a mark. Obviously, it’s a big number and it’s not something that I’ve really concentrated on to be honest.
“There has been a lot of talk around it but for me, anyone who knows me, it’s all about the team and wanting to push. But it’s a good opportunity to give a nod to everyone who has helped me get there.
“Obviously, the family, the sacrifices they’ve made. Family, friends, people who have worked with me, physios and sports scientists – things like that.
“I’ve been fortunate to get there and work with a lot of good clubs and a lot of good people, and so happy to get the win today and the three points.”
James Milner’s Premier League debut
In 2002, 16-year-old James Milner came off the bench for Leeds United during their Premier League match against
Milner replaced Jason Wilcox in a 4-3 win at West Ham.
“It’s changed a lot,” Milner told BBC Sport when asked how the game has evolved since his debut in 2002. “The first tackle was free when I came through as a winger. You were getting the ball to feet and getting launched and that was play on.
“You see some of the boys’ shin pads now, you wouldn’t have got away with that back then because the tackles were a bit stronger.
“Some things were better back then, some things are better now. I feel blessed that I have managed to play in two different eras and learn a lot.
“You go back to the managers of Terry Venables, Sir Bobby Robson, Huzerlers, Jurgen Klopps, Roberto di Zerbis, I feel blessed that I have been able to learn so much and play under these guys.”