James Milner confirms retirement after 24-year Premier League career | OneFootball

James Milner has confirmed his retirement from professional football after 24 seasons in the Premier League. The player said in a post that it was the right time to end his playing career.

Born in Wortley, he came through Leeds United’s academy and made his senior debut at 16 in November 2002 as a winger for the club he supported growing up. After two years in the first-team picture, he joined Newcastle United following Leeds’ relegation.

His career took him to Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton, plus an early loan at Second Division Swindon Town. He won three Premier League titles, a Champions League and multiple domestic cups.

This season he became the Premier League’s all-time record appearance-maker, reaching 658 top-flight games, and he bows out at 40.

He represented England at two European Championships and two World Cups. He also overcame a serious foot issue last year and was part of Brighton qualifying for Europe for the second time in their history, while thanking team-mates, coaches, supporters and his family.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk