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Premier League record-holder James Milner retires from football
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- Premier League record-holder James Milner retires from football
James Milner has retired from football (PA)
James Milner has announced his retirement from football at the age of 40.
The Brighton midfielder, formerly a title winner with Liverpool and Manchester City , broke the record for most Premier League appearances of all time in February and ends his career with a total of 658 , having played the last of his 24 seasons in the English top-flight.
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Milner spent the final three years of his career with the Seagulls and bows out having helped secure the club Conference League football for next season.
"After 24 seasons in the Premier League, it feels like the right time to bring an end to my playing career," Milner said in a statement on Instagram.
"From making my debut for Leeds , who I supported growing up, at the age of 16 and becoming the Premier League's youngest scorer, I could never have dreamed of the journey I've been on, right through to not being able to lift my foot last year and then coming back to be part of Brighton qualifying for Europe for the second time in their history at the age of 40."
Milner began his career at Leeds United at the age of 16, when he became the second-youngest player to ever make a Premier League appearance at the time.
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After a spell on loan at Swindon Town, he went on to play under Sir Bobby Robson at Newcastle before starring at Aston Villa , which earned him a move to Roberto Mancini's rising Man City side.
He won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and a League Cup with the Cityzens before joining Liverpool on a free in 2015, a transfer which is looked back on as arguably the best bargain buy of all time.
He was integral to Liverpool's resurgence under Jurgen Klopp, revered for his consistency and versatility during a glittering eight-year stay.
Having joined during a period of stagnation, Milner went on to help Liverpool to a sixth Champions League title in 2018/19 before ending the club's 30-year wait for a Premier League title the year after. He also added the Club World Cup, as well as another League Cup and FA Cup to his own trophy cabinet.
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Milner is also a former England international, making 61 caps before retiring from international football in 2016.
"To have gone on to represent Newcastle, Aston Villa, Man City, Liverpool and Brighton — and not forgetting a memorable month at Swindon Town — has been an incredible privilege," Milner said.
"Every club has played a huge role in my life and career, and I want to thank everyone involved — the owners, staff, coaches, teammates and supporters who welcomed me and helped me along the way."
James Milner is a three-time Premier League title winner (Getty)
"I've been fortunate enough to experience some unforgettable moments, from fighting for survival to winning trophies, playing in Europe, and representing my country, England, at two European Championships and two World Cups. But more than anything, it's the people and friendships I've made throughout the game that I'll cherish forever."
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He added: "To the fans, thank you. To those who supported me every step of the way, your encouragement meant more than you'll ever know. And to those who gave me grief along the way, thank you too — you all played your part in making the journey memorable and helping shape me as a player and person.
"To my family, thank you for every sacrifice, every mile travelled and every moment of encouragement. None of this would have been possible without you.
"I leave the game with immense pride, gratitude and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Football has given me far more than I could ever have imagined, and I will always be thankful for the opportunities it provided.Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey."
