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James Milner has officially announced his retirement from football after an impressive 24 consecutive seasons in the Premier League.
The 40-year-old English midfielder took to social media to share his decision, reflecting on a journey that began at his boyhood club, Leeds United. He made his senior debut at just 16 and became the youngest goalscorer in the competition's history.
Over more than two decades at the highest level, Milner represented top British clubs including Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Liverpool, concluding his career with Brighton & Hove Albion.
In his message, Milner revealed that his final year was particularly challenging due to physical issues that sometimes prevented him from even walking, making Brighton's recent European qualification even more special. The former England international, who participated in two European Championships and two World Cups, bid farewell to the pitch with immense gratitude, publicly thanking his family, teammates, fans, and even his critics who helped shape him as a player and a person.
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