James Milner announced his retirement from football at the age of 40! Impressive career of the Premier League legend

The 40-year-old England midfielder took to social media to announce his decision to retire from football. During more than two decades at the highest level, Milner represented top clubs in British football, including Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Liverpool, ending his spell at Brighton.

In his message, he revealed that the last year has been particularly difficult due to physical problems preventing him from playing, which made Brighton's recent European qualification even more special. The former England international, who took part in two European Championships and two World Cups, left the pitch with a sense of immense gratitude, publicly thanking his family, team-mates, fans and even critics who helped shape him as a player and a man.

James Milner retires from football at 40: 'After 24 seasons in the Premier League, I feel the time is right to end my playing career'

“After 24 seasons in the Premier League, I feel the time is right to end my playing career. From making my debut for Leeds United, the team I supported as a child, at the age of 16, and becoming the youngest goalscorer in the Premier League, I could never have imagined the journey I have been onincluding the time I couldn't lift my leg last year and then coming back to be part of Brighton's qualification for Europe for the second time in their history at the age of 40.

To represent Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton – and not forgetting the wonderful month at Swindon Town – was a great privilege. Each club has played a huge part in my life and career and I want to thank everyone involved – to the owners, staff, coaches, teammates and supporters who welcomed me and helped me along the way.

I have been lucky enough to experience unforgettable moments, from fighting to avoid relegation to winning trophies, playing in Europe and representing my country England at two European Championships and two World Cups. But more than anything, the people and friendships I have made through football are what I will cherish forever.

I thank the fans. To those who have supported me every step of the way, your encouragement has meant more than you will ever know. And to those who made me sad along the way, thank you too – you all helped make this journey memorable and helped me grow as a player and as a person.

I thank my family for every sacrifice, every kilometer traveled and every moment of encouragement. Nothing would have been possible without you. I leave football with immense pride, gratitude and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Football has given me much more than that I could have ever imagined and I will always be grateful for the opportunities it has given me. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey”, was the message of James Milner on Instagram.

• James Milner, at the age of 40 in February 2026, made history and became the footballer with the most matches in the Premier League. The veteran started Brighton's away game at Brentford to take his tally to 654 appearances in England's top flight, surpassing former Aston Villa and Manchester City team-mate Gareth Barry

• James Milner made his Premier League debut in 2002.

• He has the most matches for Liverpool: 332, 26 goals and 46 assists.

• He has 61 appearances and one goal for England

• It had the highest market share in 2012 – 21 million euros

• Trophy cabinet: One Champions League trophy (Liverpool), three league titles (two with Manchester City, one with Liverpool), one European Super Cup (Liverpool), 2 FA Cups (one with City, one with Liverpool), two League Cups (one with City, one with Liverpool), two Community Shields (one with City, one with Liverpool)