Boyhood Leeds United fan James Milner confirms retirement with emotional statement | OneFootball

James Milner, the former Leeds United youngster and Premier League stalwart, has retired from professional football at 40 after 24 seasons. He confirmed the decision in a social media statement.

The player said in a post that it felt the right time to stop. He recalled his Leeds debut at 16 and becoming the Premier League’s youngest scorer, and described returning from a foot problem last year before helping Brighton qualify for Europe for the second time in their history.

Born in Wortley, he rose through the Leeds ranks as a winger and made his senior bow in November 2002. After two years around the first team, he joined Newcastle United following Leeds’ relegation.

Across his career he played for Leeds, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton, with a loan at Second Division Swindon Town.

He won three Premier League titles and a Champions League, alongside multiple domestic cups, and this season became the Premier League’s all-time record appearance-maker with 658 appearances.

He thanked owners, staff, coaches, team-mates and supporters at each club, and highlighted the friendships made across the game. He also reflected on representing England at two European Championships and two World Cups, and paid tribute to his family and fans.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk