James Milner, the Premier League record appearance-holder, has announced his retirement at the age of 40 after a 24-year playing career.Milner had been offered another year’s contract by Brighton & Hove Albion, but he has decided to call it a day after breaking Gareth Barry’s appearances record with his 654th outing in the top flight in a 2-0 win at Brentford in February.Milner, who has spent the last three years with Brighton, made his debut for Leeds United at 16 in November 2002, making him the second-youngest player to play in the Premier League at the time.Posting on his Instagram account, Milner said: “After 24 seasons in the Premier League it feels like the right time to bring an end to my playing career.“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, right through to not being able to lift my foot last year and then coming back to be part of Brighton qualifying for Europe for the second time in their history at the age of 40.”As well as Leeds and Brighton, Milner also represented Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Liverpool, and spent a month on loan at Swindon Town from Elland Road. He won three league titles, in 2011–12 and 2013–14 with City, and in 2019-20 with Liverpool.He also helped Liverpool to win the 2019 Champions League, and won the FA Cup and two League Cups.“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,” Milner’s post added.“I’ve been fortunate enough to experience some unforgettable moments, from fighting for survival to winning trophies, playing in Europe, and representing England at two European Championships and two World Cups. But more than anything, it’s the people and friendships I’ve made throughout the game that I’ll cherish forever.”Milner made his England debut while at Villa in 2009 and went on to win 61 caps in total, featuring in the World Cup in 2010 and 2014, and the European Championship in 2012 and 2016.“I leave the game with immense pride, gratitude and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life,” he added. “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.”Fabian Hurzeler, the Brighton head coach, said of Milner: “James is an unbelievable leader, unbelievable person unbelievable role model, not only for me but for every person in this club, the young players, the experienced players, every staff member. You are the definition of intensity. You are the definition of great standards, of pushing the limits every day.“Your achievements are incredible. For me they are no surprise, because seeing you working hard every day is just incredible and working with you was even more impressive. I want to say thankyou for everything you did for this club, everything you did for me. I will never forget your support and help in tough moments. I will never forget your intensity, your energy and your demands on the pitch.“I hope that you can enjoy the time after Brighton. I hope that you can stay like you are. We will definitely stay in touch. I wish you and your family all the best.”‘A blow for Brighton’AnalysisMilner’s announcement has dashed Brighton’s hopes of retaining his services for their Europa League Conference campaign next season after finishing eighth in the top flight.Head coach Hurzeler leans heavily on a group of senior professionals to guide an essentially young squad. That group has already been trimmed by the departures of Solly March and Adam Webster, together with the anticipated exit of Joel Veltman.Losing the vast top level experience of Milner is a blow, but it is understandable that he has decided the time is right to hang up his boots. Complications after knee surgery last season ruled him out for nine months. He was unable to lift his foot properly and feared not being able to walk properly, yet alone play football again. His involvement since then at Brighton has been a bonus.Injury issues limited him to four further appearances after breaking Barry’s record at Brentford. He was in the starting line-up and lasted 59 minutes in Brighton’s 3-0 defeat at home to Manchester United on the final day of the season, the last of 658 Premier League appearances overall in a glittering career.Jun 1, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms