Former England international James Milner has officially retired from professional football, drawing the curtain on a career that spanned over two decades at the highest level of English football.
The 40-year-old midfielder departs the game after his contract with Brighton & Hove Albion expired, following a three-year stint with the club.
Milner leaves as one of the most durable figures in Premier League history, having set a record for the highest number of appearances in the competition earlier this year.
He began his professional journey with Leeds United before going on to represent Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton, amassing more than 600 league appearances during his career.
Among his major achievements were two Premier League titles with Manchester City and further success with Liverpool, where he won both the league title and the UEFA Champions League in 2019.
Reflecting on his career in a statement shared on social media, Milner expressed gratitude for the experiences and relationships he built throughout his time in the sport.
He also represented England at major tournaments, including the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup, earning recognition for his consistency, leadership and professionalism.
His retirement signals the end of one of the Premier League’s longest-serving and most dependable careers.
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