{"id":791,"date":"2026-06-02T06:50:58","date_gmt":"2026-06-02T06:50:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/agajahub.com\/?p=791"},"modified":"2026-06-02T06:51:01","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T06:51:01","slug":"premier-league-record-breaker-james-milner-announces-retirement-in-emotional-statement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/agajahub.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/02\/premier-league-record-breaker-james-milner-announces-retirement-in-emotional-statement\/","title":{"rendered":"Premier League record-breaker James Milner announces retirement in emotional statement"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

James Milner has announced his retirement from football.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 40-year-old<\/a> shared the news in a lengthy post on social media, where he paid tribute to all the clubs he represented during a career in which he broke the Premier League appearance record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Liverpool<\/a>
Milner was a Premier League and Champions League winner with LiverpoolCredit: AFP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

James Milner’s retirement statement in full<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

“After 24 seasons in the Premier League, it feels like the right time to bring an end to my playing career,” Milner wrote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“From making my debut for Leeds United<\/a> who I supported growing up, at the age of 16 and becoming the Premier League\u2019s youngest scorer, I could never have dreamed of the journey I\u2019ve been on, right through to not being able to lift my foot last year and then coming back to be part of @officialbhafc qualifying for Europe for the second time in their history at the age of 40.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“To have gone on to represent Newcastle United<\/a>, Aston Villa<\/a>, Manchester City<\/a>, Liverpool<\/a>, and Brighton \u2014 and not forgetting a memorable month at Swindon Town<\/a> \u2014 has been an incredible privilege.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Every club has played a huge role in my life and career, and I want to thank everyone involved \u2014 the owners, staff, coaches, teammates and supporters who welcomed me and helped me along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“But more than anything, it\u2019s the people and friendships I\u2019ve made throughout the game that I\u2019ll cherish forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“To the fans, thank you. To those who supported me every step of the way, your encouragement meant more than you\u2019ll ever know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“And to those who gave me grief along the way, thank you too \u2014 you all played your part in making the journey memorable and helping shape me as a player and person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“To my family, thank you for every sacrifice, every mile travelled and every moment of encouragement. None of this would have been possible without you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I leave the game with immense pride, gratitude and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"James<\/a>
Milner confirmed his career has come to a closeCredit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

James Milner’s Premier League appearances broken down<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Leeds United (2002-2004): 48<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Newcastle United (2004-2009): 94<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aston Villa (2005\/06, 2008-2011): 100<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manchester City (2010-2015): 147<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Liverpool (2015-2023): 230<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brighton (2023-2026): 39<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Football has given me far more than I could ever have imagined, and I will always be thankful for the opportunities it provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rewriting the history books<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Milner walks away from the game with 658 Premier League appearances to his name, five clear of Gareth Barry<\/a> who is second on the list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He made his top flight debut in November 2002 with Leeds during a 4-3 win over West Ham United.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Milner’s final match as a professional came on the final day of the 2025\/26 season, where he started for Brighton in a 3-0 loss to Manchester United.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The majority of Milner’s record-breaking haul were accumulated during his eight-year spell with Liverpool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Milner<\/a>
Milner ends his career with 56 goals and 87 assists in the Premier League<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Joining from City in June 2015, Milner represented the Reds 230 times in the Premier League.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Milner also won the Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the Club World Cup throughout his stint at Anfield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 40-year-old also scooped up a number of trophies while at City, including two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the League Cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jeff Stelling and Dean Saunders react to Milner’s retirement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Learning of Milner’s retirement on the Sports Breakfast,<\/a> co-host Dean Saunders shared an anecdote which spoke to the veteran’s remarkable professionalism and drive to better himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I was fortunate enough to be his coach at Newcastle,” Saunders<\/a> said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“And I can only say, every day I used to stay out with the players practising shooting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"James<\/a>
Milner played his part in establishing City as a powerhouse of global footballCredit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

“Every day, James Milner was there.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saunders added: “He’s a great lad. He’s a credit to his parents. He’s a normal, nice lad.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Co-host Jeff Stelling<\/a> also heaped praise on Milner’s attitude and believed all could learn a thing or two from how he conducted himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“At clubs like Brighton, a proper example to everybody at the club,” Stelling said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“He’s the guy who sets the standards that everybody else would aspire to. James, it’s been a brilliant career.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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