James Milner Ends Premier League Career After Record 658 Appearances

LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — James Milner, the former England midfielder now with Brighton, has called time on his playing career at 40, closing a 24-season run in the Premier League.

Milner first came through at Leeds, the club he supported as a boy, before building a career that brought three Premier League winners' medals. Two of those titles came during his time at Manchester City, while the third was secured with Liverpool, where he was also a member of the side that lifted the Champions League.

His final season also brought a major individual mark. Milner moved past the Premier League appearance record and finished with 658 matches in the competition.

"After 24 seasons in the Premier League, it feels like the right time to bring an end to my playing career," Milner said Monday in a post 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."

While playing for Leeds in 2002, Milner became the youngest player to score in the Premier League at 16 years and 356 days. That milestone was later bettered by James Vaughan and Max Dowman.

After leaving Leeds, Milner had stints with Newcastle and Aston Villa before signing for Manchester City in 2010. He collected two league titles there, along with other trophies.

Liverpool signed him in 2015, and he later added another Premier League title to his record. He was also part of Jurgen Klopp's team that won the Champions League in 2019.

Milner joined Brighton on a free transfer in 2023. In February, he went beyond Gareth Barry's former Premier League benchmark of 653 appearances.

For England, Milner earned 61 caps. Across club and international football, he made 964 appearances.

"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," Milner wrote. "But more than anything, it's the people and friendships I've made throughout the game that I'll cherish forever."