James Milner has opened up over the freak knee surgery complication that left him unable to move his foot for months and fearing he would not walk normally, let alone return to football.
The 39-year-old Brighton midfielder made an emotional comeback as a late substitute at Tottenham on Sunday after nine months out – it took him to 638 Premier League appearances; Gareth Barry holds the competition record with 653.
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Milner has it in his sights because he is close to signing a one-year contract extension, with the Brighton manager, Fabian Hürzeler, making it clear that he values his experience and leadership.