James Milner has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 40.
The Brighton midfielder, who previously won Premier League titles with both Liverpool and Manchester City, officially brings down the curtain on an extraordinary 24-season career in English football. Milner also set a new record for the most Premier League appearances in history, finishing with 658 games.
He spent the final three years of his career at Brighton & Hove Albion, where he helped the club secure qualification for European competition next season.
“After 24 seasons in the Premier League, it feels like the right time to bring an end to my playing career,” Milner said in a statement on Instagram.
Reflecting on his journey, he added: “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, right through to not being able to lift my foot last year and then coming back to be part of Brighton qualifying for Europe for the second time in their history at the age of 40.”
Milner began his professional career at Leeds United, making his breakthrough as a teenager before going on to play for Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton. He also had a loan spell at Swindon Town early in his career.
At Manchester City, he won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and a League Cup before making a free transfer to Liverpool in 2015, a move widely regarded as one of the best free signings in Premier League history.
During his eight years at Anfield, he played a key role in Liverpool’s revival under Jürgen Klopp, helping the club win the Champions League in 2019 and end their 30-year wait for a league title in 2020. He also added multiple domestic and international trophies to his collection.
On the international stage, Milner earned 61 caps for England before retiring from international duty in 2016.
“To have gone on to represent Newcastle, Aston Villa, Man City, Liverpool and Brighton — and not forgetting a memorable month at Swindon Town — has been an incredible privilege,” he said.
“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.”
“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. But more than anything, it’s the people and friendships I’ve made throughout the game that I’ll cherish forever.”
