James Milner, the Brighton midfielder, has officially hung up his boots at the age of 40, bringing an end to a remarkable 24-year career in English football. He exits as the all-time leader in Premier League appearances.
Milner’s journey began in 2002 when he debuted for Leeds United at just 16, quickly becoming the league’s youngest scorer at the time. Over the next two decades, he amassed 658 top-flight appearances while representing clubs like Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Brighton.
In a heartfelt statement, Milner reflected: “After 24 seasons, it’s time to stop playing. From my Leeds debut as a teenager to being part of Brighton’s European qualification at 40, it’s been an incredible ride. I’ve experienced everything from relegation battles to trophy wins, and I’m grateful for the friendships made along the way.”
He added: “To my family, thank you for your unwavering support. Football has given me more than I ever imagined, and I leave with immense pride and wonderful memories.”
Milner’s career highlights include multiple Premier League titles with Manchester City and Liverpool, as well as Champions League glory with the Reds. His professionalism and versatility made him a fan favorite at every club he played for.