James Milner opens up on nine-month absence: ‘I didn’t know if I may just stroll correctly once more’

James Milner has spread out over the freak knee surgical procedure complication that left him not able to transport his foot for months and fearing he would no longer stroll usually, let by myself go back to soccer.

The 39-year-old Brighton midfielder made an emotional comeback as a overdue exchange at Tottenham on Sunday after 9 months out – it took him to 638 Premier League ­appearances; Gareth Barry holds the contest file with 653.

Milner has it in his attractions as a result of he’s on the subject of signing a one-year contract extension, with the Brighton supervisor, Fabian Hürzeler, making it transparent that he values his enjoy and management.

However, Milner used to be extra willing to replicate at the adventure he has taken since being pressured off at Arsenal final August within the 3rd sport of the league season. He wanted a knee reconstruction and the theory used to be for him to go back in early December. That used to be earlier than he sustained nerve harm to a tendon all through the process.

“After the operation, I couldn’t lift my foot or my toes,” Milner mentioned. “December 31 was the first time I saw any flicker of life. It [the complication] wasn’t age-related. It was just a bit of bad luck – one in however many thousand.

“There was a chance I might not have come back at all. I didn’t know whether I could walk properly again let alone play football. I don’t think many people would have come back from this. The medical staff have been incredible, Sean Duggan [the Brighton physiotherapist] has been absolutely unbelievable. We worked hard and the hard work’s paid off. To be part of it on the pitch again made it all worthwhile.”

Milner used to be requested whether or not any medics had advised him he would possibly need to retire. “Nobody said quit the game,” he answered. “There were obviously doubts from some people that I would get back but nobody said quit it. Not many people have had this and with my age it was highly unlikely I would get back. But I think that was one of the things that drove me most.”

Milner turns 40 in January and he’s decided to have an affect subsequent season in what could be his 24th within the Premier League. This day out, he was the primary participant to play in 23 seasons within the pageant. He made his debut for Leeds as a 16-year-old at West Ham in November 2002.

“I would like to keep playing,” he mentioned. “I’ve definitely got another year left in me. We’re in talks with the club and quite close so it will be nice to be here and be part of the team and help the boys.”