Gareth Barry: No Asterisk Should Accompany James Milner's Premier League Record
Gareth Barry has firmly stated that no asterisk should be placed next to James Milner's Premier League appearance record, despite Milner achieving the milestone with significantly fewer minutes on the pitch. Barry, who previously held the record, saw his former team-mate surpass his 653 appearances last month during Brighton's victory at Brentford, marking Milner's 654th Premier League game.
Record Broken with a Notable Difference
Milner's achievement came with a striking statistic: he played 13,874 minutes less than Barry, which equates to just over 150 full matches. This difference has sparked discussions among football fans and analysts, but Barry dismisses any notion that it diminishes Milner's accomplishment. "No, there should be no asterisk!" Barry declared in an interview with the Press Association, speaking at an Aston Villa Foundation event at TOCA Social in Birmingham.
He elaborated on the evolving nature of football, noting that the game has transformed into more of a squad-based sport with the introduction of five substitutes. "We had slightly different careers," Barry explained. "James had a great period at Liverpool where he wasn't always starting but was consistently involved in squads. That's where our paths diverged."
Praise for Milner's Professionalism
Barry, who played alongside Milner at Aston Villa, Manchester City, and for the England national team, praised his former colleague's dedication and skill. "He's a proper professional, a very underrated player, and he's squeezing everything out of his body," Barry said. "He takes everything to the limit, which is why he's reached this point." This endorsement underscores Milner's reputation for hard work and longevity in the sport.
Quiz Questions and Legacy
With Milner now holding the appearance record, Barry humorously reflected on losing his status as a quiz answer. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when quizzes gained popularity, Barry's name frequently appeared in questions about the most Premier League appearances. "I remember those days well," he recalled. "But maybe they'll change the questions to focus on minutes played or yellow cards now." Barry still holds records for the most minutes and most yellow cards in Premier League history, offering a silver lining.
In a light-hearted note, Barry is currently involved as the Angry Ambassador for the new Angry Birds game at TOCA Social, launching across UK venues from March 30. This role adds a playful twist to his post-football endeavors, while his comments on Milner's record highlight the respect and camaraderie among football legends.
