Olivier Bernard says former team-mate James Milner’s “devotion to the game” is the reason behind his successful 24-year stint in the Premier League.
After making his debut for Leeds United in November 2002, Milner went on to play for five other top-flight clubs – including Newcastle United, where he played alongside Bernard for a season.
“He was quite a surprise to be fair,” Bernard told BBC Radio Newcastle. “We knew about him as a group, but we didn’t think he was going to be the player he turned out to be.
“He came in at a young age and I can remember him being very shy and very introverted. He used to work hard in training. He was very dedicated, he wasn’t like the other half of us who didn’t put in as much effort as he did. He was a very committed player.
“Even at that age, he was determined [to become a great player]. There is a big difference between wanting to be the best and making sure you are the best. He got to that level with his pure dedication.
“He was a proper footballer with a proper attitude – and that served him well throughout his career.”
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