Jonathan Woodgate and Georginio Rutter lead tributes as Leeds United legend James Milner retires | OneFootball

James Milner has retired after a record 24-season Premier League career, prompting tributes from Leeds United figures including Jonathan Woodgate and Georginio Rutter.

The 40-year-old said in a post that he was stepping away after more than two decades at the highest level, feeling the timing was right.

He departs with a Premier League record 658 appearances and major honours including three titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups, the Super Cup and the Club World Cup. He also made more than 900 senior appearances and won 61 England caps, featuring at two World Cups and two European Championships.

A Leeds academy graduate, he debuted against West Ham in November 2002 aged 16, then became the Premier League’s youngest scorer at the time against Sunderland aged 16 years 356 days. He played 54 times, scoring five, before joining Newcastle in 2004.

His final seasons were at Brighton, where he returned from injury to help sustain the club’s Premier League progress.

Tributes followed, with Liam Cooper calling his career an example and Ian Harte wishing him well. Woodgate hailed an incredible journey, Robbie Keane offered congratulations and Stephen Warnock described it as an honour to share a dressing room.

Rutter responded with heart and prayer emojis. He leaves the game with pride, gratitude and lasting memories.

Source: Leedsunited.news