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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
David Hytner

James Milner opens up on nine-month absence: ‘I didn’t know if I could walk properly again’

James Milner is carried by Brighton teammates Carlos Baleba and Yankuba Minteh
James Milner is carried by Brighton teammates Carlos Baleba and Yankuba Minteh after the 4-1 victory at Tottenham. Photograph: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

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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