‘An example to all’, Leeds old boys salute James Milner as retirement confirmed | OneFootball

James Milner has confirmed his retirement from football, prompting warm tributes from former Leeds United teammates. The 40-year-old bows out as the Premier League’s record appearance-maker on 658 games, with three titles and a Champions League.

The player said in a post that, after 24 seasons in the Premier League, it was the right time to stop. He reflected on a journey from a 16-year-old Leeds debutant and the league’s youngest scorer to helping Brighton reach Europe again at 40, and thanked clubs, colleagues, supporters and family.

Jonathan Woodgate, whose final Elland Road season coincided with Milner’s first, praised an outstanding career, calling him an example to players. Ian Harte, involved in Milner’s 4-3 debut win at West Ham in November 2002, wished him well and plenty of golf.

Robbie Keane also congratulated the former Leeds prospect, and 2019/20 promotion-winning captain Liam Cooper highlighted Milner’s exemplary standards, signing off with MOT.

Messages arrived from beyond Leeds too, including Coventry City manager Frank Lampard and Fulham’s Harry Wilson.

Milner’s career took him from Leeds and a loan at Swindon Town to Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton, alongside England duty and multiple domestic cups.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk