James Milner, boyhood Leeds United fan, confirms retirement after 24-year career | OneFootball

James Milner, the former Leeds United youngster and long-serving Premier League player, has confirmed his retirement from professional football.

The player said in a post that it felt the right time after 24 seasons in the Premier League, recalling his Leeds debut at 16 and becoming the competition’s youngest scorer, and noting a foot problem last year before helping Brighton qualify for Europe for the second time in their history at 40. He thanked every club, supporters, critics and his family, leaving the game with pride and gratitude.

Born in Wortley, Milner came through Leeds’ ranks as a winger and made his senior debut in November 2002 aged 16. He spent two years around the first team before joining Newcastle United after relegation.

Over a 24-year career he played for Leeds, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton, with a loan at Second Division Swindon Town. His honours include three Premier League titles and a Champions League, alongside multiple domestic cups.

This season he became the Premier League’s all-time appearance-maker, reaching 658 matches, and he is now 40. He also represented England at two European Championships and two World Cups.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk