Former England international James Milner has hung up his playing boots at the age of 40. Milner has been a familiar face to Premier League fans for almost two and a half decades.
A record-breaker
Milner started his playing career at his hometown club Leeds United in 2002, making his debut at just 16. Milner went on to make a Premier League record 658 appearances in the English top-flight.
Milner represented six clubs during his Premier League career, including Leeds, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton.
It was at Liverpool that he amassed the most top-flight appearances, playing 230 times in the English top-flight and scoring 19 goals in the process.
Milner also made 61 appearances for England from his debut in 2009 until 2016, when he last featured for the Three Lions.
Trophy-laden playing career
Milner enjoyed enormous success in his playing career, experiencing success at several different clubs.
At Manchester City, he won the Premier League twice, the FA Cup and the League Cup. Milner also enjoyed success with Liverpool, winning major silverware such as the Premier League, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the Champions League.
Milner achieved several individual accolades during his playing career, including winning the Young Player of the Year award in the 2009/10 season, the Aston Villa Supporters Player of the Year award in the same campaign, and being named in the Premier League Team of the Season.
Milner’s professionalism is an example for all
James Milner was never considered the most technically gifted player in the beautiful game. However, he brought professionalism, hard work, and determination to all of his teams.
His attitude and approach to playing football are good examples for every footballer, young or old, on how to enjoy a long-lasting playing career in the game.
He was often called ‘boring’ for his highly professional approach. However, you don’t achieve what he achieved in football without being the ultimate dedicated professional.