Milner made his Premier League debut as a fresh-faced 16-year-old in November 2002 and this weekend broke the record for the most appearances in Premier League history after starting for Brighton in their clash against Brentford.
The former Manchester City and Liverpool star admitted that he did not think much about the record this season in a moment that he believed might never have happened.
“I think probably December of last season, I think even Sean (Duggan, Brighton physio) said himself he thought I would maybe come in for two weeks and say: ‘That’s me done’.”
“It was pretty unlikely at that time (that I would break the appearance record) to be honest, but I was fortunate to have good people around me. People who believed in me and a good group of players who I am playing with.
“It is a big number, and, and it is nice to get there. There’s obviously been a lot of talk about it. For me personally, it’s not something that I have chased. It is not something, the individual stuff, that I chase. You are part of a team. The togetherness of the team, to be able to go in the dressing room and celebrate that win with the boys - that’s why you play football.”
Winning three Premier League titles, two FA Cups, two League Cups and the Champions League, Milner is an icon of the game and his record likely won’t be broken for decades to come.
Rooney congratulates Milner
Wayne Rooney, who featured 37 times for England alongside Milner, spoke on the record "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.
"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.
"We've seen that with (Cristiano) Ronaldo as well. It wouldn't surprise me if he goes on for another two or three years."