‘An example to all’ as ex-Leeds teammates hail James Milner on retirement | OneFootball

James Milner has announced his retirement after 24 seasons, prompting tributes from former Leeds United teammates who called him an example to all. The player said in a post that it was the right time to end his career.

The 40-year-old came through at Leeds, spent a short loan at Swindon Town, then had spells with Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton. He became the Premier League’s record appearance-maker earlier this year, ending on 658 top-flight games, and won three league titles plus the Champions League and several domestic cups.

Tributes arrived from Jonathan Woodgate, Ian Harte, Robbie Keane and promotion-winning captain Liam Cooper, each lauding his career and example. Harte was involved in Milner’s debut, a 4-3 win at West Ham in November 2002.

Beyond Leeds, responses also came from Coventry City boss Frank Lampard, Brighton star Georginio Rutter and Fulham’s Harry Wilson.

In his message, he reflected on debuting for boyhood Leeds at 16 as the Premier League’s youngest scorer, battling back from a fitness setback to help Brighton qualify for Europe again at 40, and representing England at two European Championships and two World Cups. He thanked every club, team-mate, staff member, supporter and his family for their part in the journey.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk