At 40 years old, James Milner, a former midfielder for Liverpool, has declared the end of his professional football career.
Having concluded his distinguished career, the ex-player for both the Reds and Manchester City decided to step down after establishing a new record for Premier League appearances during the 2025-26 season with Brighton.
Milner stated in writing: “Following two dozen seasons in the Premier League, this moment feels appropriate to conclude my tenure as a player.
“Beginning with my first game for Leeds, the team I cheered for as a child, when I was 16 and subsequently becoming the youngest goalscorer in the Premier League, the path I have followed was beyond my wildest imagination. This journey extended to a point last year where I struggled with mobility, only to recover and contribute to Brighton’s second qualification for European competition at the age of 40.
“It has been an extraordinary honour to have later played for Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Brighton – alongside a notable month spent at Swindon. Each team has profoundly influenced both my personal life and professional journey, and I extend my gratitude to all individuals connected with these clubs – the proprietors, personnel, trainers, fellow players, and fans who embraced me and provided assistance throughout.”
“I have been privileged to partake in numerous indelible experiences, ranging from relegation battles to securing championships, competing on the European stage, and proudly representing England at a pair of European Championships and two World Cups. However, beyond these achievements, it is the connections and bonds forged with people across the sport that I will value eternally.
“To the supporters, I offer my thanks. For those who stood by me consistently, your backing was profoundly significant. And even to those who challenged me, my thanks to you as well – each of you contributed to making this path unforgettable and molding me both as an athlete and an individual.
“To my loved ones, I am grateful for every personal cost, every journey undertaken, and every instance of motivation. Your presence was indispensable to all these accomplishments.
“My departure from the sport is accompanied by profound self-respect, appreciation, and recollections that will endure for my lifetime. The game of football has bestowed upon me far greater blessings than I could have conceived, and I will perpetually be obliged for the chances it presented.
“My thanks extend to everyone who shared in this voyage.”
Numerous past colleagues from Liverpool, such as Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, Daniel Sturridge, Kostas Tsimikas, Xherdan Shaqiri, Rhian Brewster, Neco Williams, and Harry Wilson, along with Brighton players like Danny Welbeck, Bart Verbruggen, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Georginio Rutter, and retired footballers Frank Lampard, Micah Richards, and Nigel de Jong, showed their appreciation for Milner’s announcement through likes and comments.
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