James Milner, boyhood Leeds United fan, confirms retirement with emotional message | OneFootball

James Milner, the boyhood Leeds United supporter, has announced his retirement from professional football after 24 seasons. The 40-year-old confirmed the decision in an Instagram post, saying it was the right time to end his playing career.

Born in Wortley, he came through Leeds’ academy and made his senior debut at 16 in November 2002. Then a winger, he spent two years in the first-team picture before leaving for Newcastle United following Leeds’ relegation.

His career took in Leeds, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton, plus a loan at Second Division Swindon Town. He won three Premier League titles and a Champions League along with multiple domestic cups. This season he became the Premier League’s all-time record appearance-maker on 658 appearances.

Milner reflected on a journey that began as the Premier League’s youngest scorer and included setbacks, recalling how he could not lift his foot last year before returning to help Brighton qualify for Europe for the second time in their history at 40.

He thanked every club he represented, along with owners, staff, coaches, team-mates and supporters, and said the relationships formed would endure. He also expressed gratitude to fans, including critics, and paid tribute to his family for their sacrifices. Milner noted pride at experiences from survival fights to trophy wins, European campaigns and representing England at two European Championships and two World Cups.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk