James Milner announced his retirement from professional football on Monday. The 40-year-old midfielder leaves the game as the player with the most Premier League appearances in history.
Milner made the decision after Brighton and Hove Albion offered him another contract. He played his final seasons with the club and helped them qualify for European competition twice.
Milner broke the Premier League appearance record in February. He started for Brighton against Brentford and surpassed Gareth Barry’s previous mark. He finished his career with 658 top-flight matches, five more than any other player.
The midfielder began his Premier League journey at Leeds United in 2002. He then moved to Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool, and finally Brighton. He played across 24 seasons and adapted to multiple positions, from full-back to central midfielder and winger.
Milner won major trophies throughout his career. He secured three Premier League titles, one with Manchester City and two with Liverpool. He also lifted the Champions League with Liverpool in 2019.
In a statement, Milner said it felt like the right time to walk away. He expressed pride in overcoming injuries during his final years at Brighton. He thanked all the clubs he played for, the fans, and even his critics for shaping his journey.
Former teammates and clubs paid tribute to Milner’s professionalism and consistency. His versatility and endurance stood out over two decades. Milner played nearly 1,000 senior matches in total and recorded 56 Premier League goals along with 90 assists.
Milner represented England at international level earlier in his career. He retires as one of the most reliable figures in modern English football. His record may stand for many years.
