James Milner retirement confirmed, recalling Leeds United line-up from 2002 West Ham debut | OneFootball

James Milner has retired from football, ending a 24-year career across seven clubs. The 40-year-old, the Premier League’s record appearance-maker with 658 games, announced the decision in a statement on Monday morning.

As reported by yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, the milestone has prompted a look back at Leeds United’s line-up from his debut.

Milner’s first-team bow came in November 2002, a 16-year-old winger coming on for Jason Wilcox. Leeds won 4-3 at West Ham, with all four of their goals scored before half-time.

Manager Terry Venables selected Paul Robinson in goal, with Gary Kelly, Teddy Lucic, Lucas Radebe and Ian Harte in defence.

The names on that teamsheet underline how long Milner has been operating at the top of English football. His journey started at Elland Road, and it now concludes with a record few will match.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk