James Milner – the holder of the record for most appearances in Premier League history – has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 40.
Milner was out of contract at Brighton and has opted to hang up his boots after a remarkable 24-year top-flight career.
After making his debut for Leeds as a 16-year-old in 2002, he went on to play for Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton. He also won 61 caps for England and was renown for his dedication to the game.
Milner broke Gareth Barry’s record for most Premier League appearances in February, playing his 654th match for Brighton against Brentford. He finished with 658, during which time he won three Premier League titles, two with City and one with Liverpool.
He wrote on Instagram: “After 24 seasons in the Premier League, it feels like the right time to bring an end to my playing career. From making my debut for Leeds, who I supported growing up, at the age of 16 and becoming the Premier League’s youngest scorer, I could never have dreamed of the journey I’ve been on, right through to not being able to lift my foot last year and then coming back to be part of Brighton qualifying for Europe for the second time in their history at the age of 40.
“To have gone on to represent Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton – and not forgetting a memorable month at Swindon – has been an incredible privilege. Every club has played a huge role in my life and career, and I want to thank everyone involved – the owners, staff, coaches, teammates and supporters who welcomed me and helped me along the way.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to experience some unforgettable moments, from fighting for survival to winning trophies, playing in Europe, and representing my country, England, at two European Championships and two World Cups. But more than anything, it’s the people and friendships I’ve made throughout the game that I’ll cherish forever.”
Grateful Milner bows out on a high
Milner also thanked those that have backed him along the way, adding: “To the fans, thank you. To those who supported me every step of the way, your encouragement meant more than you’ll ever know. And to those who gave me grief along the way, thank you too – you all played your part in making the journey memorable and helping shape me as a player and person.
“To my family, thank you for every sacrifice, every mile travelled and every moment of encouragement. None of this would have been possible without you.
“I leave the game with immense pride, gratitude and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Football has given me far more than I could ever have imagined, and I will always be thankful for the opportunities it provided.
“Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey.”
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