James Milner spent his last three seasons at Brighton & Hove Albion. Photo by David Cliff/EPA
England’s James Milner will retire from soccer after 24 seasons in the Premier League, he announced Monday.
Milner, 40, spent his last three seasons with Brighton & Hove Albion. He appeared in a record 658 Premier League matches since his 2002 senior debut at Leeds United. Milner also played for Swindon Town, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Liverpool.
He made 61 appearances for the England men’s national team.
“After 24 seasons in the Premier League, it feels like the right time to bring an end to my playing career,” Milner wrote Monday on Instagram.
“From making my debut for Leeds United, 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 & Hove Albion qualifying for Europe for the second time in their history at the age of 40.
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“To have gone on to represent Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion — and not forgetting a memorable month at Swindon Town — has been an incredible privilege.
“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.”
Milner totaled 56 Premier League goals. His 90 assists are the 10th-most in Premier League history.
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“I leave the game with immense pride, gratitude and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life,” Milner wrote. “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.”
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