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James Milner retires aged 40 after Liverpool icon breaks Premier League record

Premier League and England legend James Milner has retired after a 24-year career in the top-flight, playing for Liverpool, Manchester City, Leeds, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Brighton

[James Milner]

James Milner has announced his retirement from football(Image: Getty Images)

Premier League legend and former England international James Milner has announced his retirement from football at the age of 40.

The versatile midfielder left Brighton & Hove Albion at the end of the season when his contract expired after three years on the south coast. But instead of finding a new club, Milner has decided to call time on his illustrious career just months after breaking the record for most Premier League appearances in February.

Milner played for six teams in England's top flight. The 61-time England international came through at Leeds United before joining Newcastle United and then Aston Villa. He won the Premier League twice, FA Cup and League Cup at Manchester City before winning all there is to win under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.

[Liverpool's English midfielder James Milner raises the trophy after winning the UEFA Champions League final football match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur ]

James Milner won multiple honours at Liverpool(Image: (JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images))

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Taking to X, Milner shared an emotional statement: "After 24 seasons in the @premierleague, it feels like the right time to bring an end to my playing career. From making my debut for @leedsunited, who I supported growing up, at the age of 16 and becoming the Premier Leagues youngest scorer.

"I could never have dreamed of the journey Ive 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.

"To have gone on to represent @nufc, @astonvilla, @mancity, @liverpoolfc and @officialbhafc and not forgetting a memorable month at @officialstfc has been an incredible privilege.

[0_Soccer-Barclays-Premier-League-Manchester-City-v-West-Ham-United-Etihad-Stadium.jpg]

James Milner celebrates with the Premier League trophy(Image: Manchester City FC via Getty Ima)

[James Milner in action at the 2014 World Cup]

James Milner in action at the 2014 World Cup(Image: Getty Images)

"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."

He continued: "To the fans, thank you. To those who supported me every step of the way, your encouragement meant more than youll ever know. And to those who gave me grief along the way, thank you too you all played your part in making the journey memorable and helping shape me as a player and person.

"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.

"I leave the game with immense pride, gratitude and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Football has given me far more than I could ever have imagined, and I will always be thankful for the opportunities it provided.

"Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey."

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