Numerous illustrious footballers have graced the English Premier League (EPL), but only a select few have managed to maintain their presence for a remarkable two decades or more....CONTINUE READING
An in-depth examination of the records of long-serving players within the Premiership reveals a distinctive group of five individuals who achieved the remarkable milestone of twenty or more consecutive years competing in this prestigious league.
Among this exclusive assembly of football luminaries, the most recent to join the ranks is the former Liverpool midfielder, James Milner.
His journey commenced when he ascended to the first team of Leeds United in July of 2003. During the 2002/03 season, Milner made his mark with 16 appearances in the EPL matches for the Peacocks, netting 2 goals in the process.
Subsequently, his career path led him to stints with Newcastle, Aston Villa, and Manchester City before eventually donning the Liverpool jersey as a free agent in the summer of 2015.
Following his tenure with the Reds, Milner’s football odyssey continued as he transitioned to Brighton during the recent summer transfer window. Notably, his participation in the opening weekend of the 2023/24 season marked his 22nd campaign within the English top flight.
Another indomitable figure etched into the annals of the Premier League is Ryan Giggs, a midfielder hailing from Wales. Distinguishing himself as the sole foreign player within this elite assemblage, Giggs left an indelible mark during his impressive 22-season tenure with Manchester United.
This remarkable feat made him the first player to amass over 600 appearances for a single club in the English top flight. Notably, his contribution extended to a record of 108 Premiership goals for the Red Devils, further cementing his place as a football icon. Following in Giggs’ footsteps is another British talent, Gareth Barry.
This accomplished English defensive midfielder contributed an astounding 21 years of service within the English top flight before encountering a spell of relegation to the Championship with West Brom at the culmination of the 2017/18 season. During his illustrious journey, he accumulated an impressive 653 appearances across various clubs, including Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Everton.
Two other notable figures on this revered list are Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand, each boasting two decades of unwavering dedication to the English top flight. Lampard, having participated in an impressive 611 EPL matches, stands as one of a mere quartet of players to have exceeded the 600-match threshold in the Premier League.
Originating his top-flight career with West Ham in 1996, Lampard subsequently traversed to Chelsea in 2001. A brief interlude with Manchester City in the 2014/15 season punctuated his journey before permanently departing from the Premiership’s sphere during the summer of 2015.
Rio Ferdinand occupies an exceptional position as the solitary defender among this illustrious group. Embarking on his top-flight journey in 1995, Ferdinand’s impact extended across clubs such as Leeds, Manchester United, and QPR before his retirement in July 2015.
His notable achievement includes an impressive tally of 503 EPL appearances, solidifying his status as one of only four defenders to have attained more than 500 appearances within the Premier League.
In summation, the distinguished quintet of James Milner, Ryan Giggs, Gareth Barry, Frank Lampard, and Rio Ferdinand have carved a unique and enduring legacy within the English Premier League.
Through their unwavering commitment and exceptional talent, they have left an indelible mark on the sport and continue to serve as an inspiration to both aspiring players and devoted fans alike….READFULL
