James Milner retires at 40 after record Premier League career | OneFootball

James Milner has retired at 40, ending a 24-season Premier League career that began at Leeds United and brought three league titles, a Champions League and 61 England caps. He leaves as the competition’s record appearance holder with 658 games.

Announcing his decision, the Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder said in a statement that it was the right time to stop and offered thanks to owners, staff, coaches, team-mates and supporters.

A Thorp Arch graduate, Milner made his Leeds debut in November 2002 aged 16 years and 309 days. On Boxing Day he scored against Sunderland, becoming the Premier League’s youngest scorer at the time. He totalled 54 first-team appearances.

He registered five goals and two assists for Leeds before joining Newcastle United in 2004 amid the club’s financial strife. The Wortley-born boyhood fan later said he was disappointed to leave Elland Road.

He later lifted 12 major trophies with Manchester City and Liverpool, and finishes at Brighton. His last Elland Road visit was as an unused substitute in Brighton’s 1-0 defeat last month. He also highlighted spells with Aston Villa and a memorable month at Swindon Town.

Source: Leeds Live