Many former Leeds United players paid tribute to James Milner after the former Whites academy graduate announced his retirement following a record-breaking 24-season Premier League career.
Milner confirmed on Instagram that he is bringing the curtain down on a career that saw him become one of the most respected and decorated players of the modern era, having started it all at Elland Road.
The 40-year-old retires having played 658 Premier League games, the highest total in history, while also winning three Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups, Super Cup and Club World Cup.
Milner revealed his decision in a lengthy statement on social media, admitting he felt the timing was right to step away from the game after more than two decades at the top level.
16-year-old James Milner’s incredible goal for Leeds United v Chelsea 🎯🚀
Reflecting on his journey, Milner wrote: “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.”
The midfielder’s final years were spent with Brighton & Hove Albion, where he battled back from injury to help the club continue its rise in the Premier League.
Milner ended his playing career with more than 900 senior appearances in all competitions across spells with Leeds United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton.
Leeds United was where it all began for Milner
Before the trophies and records arrived, Milner emerged from Leeds United’s academy during one of the most turbulent periods in the club’s history.
He made his senior debut against West Ham United in November 2002 at the age of 16 before becoming a regular first-team player at Elland Road.
Milner went on to make 54 appearances and score five goals for Leeds before his departure to Newcastle United in 2004.
His most famous moment in a Leeds shirt came against Sunderland in December 2002 when he scored aged 16 years and 356 days to become the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history at the time.
That record-breaking goal remains one of the defining moments of his Leeds career, as did the one against Chelsea. The beginning of a journey that would bring some of football’s biggest honours.
Which former Leeds player would you have back, if you could pick one? Raphinha surely has to be up there💎
Milner became one of England’s most decorated players
Following his exit from Elland Road, Milner established himself as one of the Premier League’s most dependable performers across more than two decades.
He represented Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton, while also earning 61 caps for England and appearing at two World Cups and two European Championships.
Milner won three Premier League titles during his career, as well as the Champions League, FA Cup, two League Cups, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup.
There were also several occasions when Leeds supporters hoped he would return to Elland Road, with links emerging during the latter stages of his career, but a reunion never came to fruition.
Cooper, Harte and Woodgate lead retirement tributes
Milner’s retirement announcement quickly attracted messages from former teammates and fellow professionals, including several figures with Leeds connections.
Former Leeds captain Liam Cooper wrote: “What a career and example for all. MOT.” Ian Harte added: “What a career, one of the best! Enjoy retirement and plenty of golf.”
What do Leeds need the most this summer? 💵
Shiny new transfer kitty incoming!
Jonathan Woodgate commented: “Incredible career mate. You should be very proud of all your achievements. An example to all players.”
Robbie Keane wrote: “Congratulations on a great career mate”, while Stephen Warnock added that it had been “an honour to share the pitch and changing room” with Milner.
Former Leeds forward Georginio Rutter, a teammate of Milner’s at Brighton, also reacted with a heart and prayer emoji in response to the announcement.
Milner concluded his retirement statement by saying: “I leave the game with immense pride, gratitude and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
For Leeds supporters, he retires as one of the club’s greatest academy success stories, a player whose journey began at Elland Road before becoming one of the longest and most successful careers the Premier League has seen.
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