Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi insists James Milner can play into his 40s.

Milner, 37, signed for Brighton last summer from Liverpool.

We are happy to have him in our squad," De Zerbi told Brighton's website. He has been unlucky because he's suffered injuries but now he is playing very well and without problems and helping us reach a higher level in our mentality and our quality of play.

His attitude is great, his energy is great and I think he can play more years. His qualities are clear, he has won everything in football but if you watch him in training it's incredible. The age is on paper. On the pitch if you are 18 or 16 or 40, nothing changes."

Teddy Sheringham is the oldest outfield player to play in the Premier League at 40 years and 272 days.

And De Zerbi insisted: Teddy Sheringham was an amazing player! But, yes, I think James can reach that point because physically he has no problem, and he has the passion. When I watch him on the training ground or in games, I forget his age."

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Former MLB infielder Sean Burroughs dies at 43 years old
Angels superstar explains why he chose not to play through knee injury
Cardinals catcher's injury timeline revealed
Suns hire ex-NBA champion as new head coach
Frank Vogel fell victim to a Suns ownership group eager to win
Luka Doncic hands OKC first playoff loss with gutsy Game 2 effort
Three takeaways as Rangers take commanding 3-0 series lead on Hurricanes
Rams make surprising move with former team captain
Ohio State AD is wrong for thinking Michigan wins deserve asterisk
Padres OF Jurickson Profar is a legitimate MVP candidate
Steelers' Cameron Heyward comments on controversial Justin Fields idea
Pacers coach claims officials are biased against 'small market' teams
14-year-old phenom signs unprecedented MLS deal that includes future Man City transfer
Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy's 'soured' relationship paints murky future for PGA Tour
Stars almost blow another lead, even series with Avalanche
Auburn's Hugh Freeze uncomfortable with 'bidding wars' for top players in transfer portal
Cavaliers punch back, blow out Celtics in Game 2
Coach: Oilers star center could miss Game 2 vs. Canucks
Watch: Cavaliers' Evan Mobley turns defense into offense in Game 2 vs. Celtics
Xander Schauffele tops stacked leaderboard after first round of Wells Fargo Championship

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.