Veteran English star James Milner brought down the curtain on one of the longest and most successful careers in the history of English football, after he officially announced his retirement from playing after an exceptional journey that spanned more than 24 years inside the green rectangle.
Milner leaves the stadiums, leaving behind a great legacy and numbers that are difficult to repeat, after he became the record holder for the most participating players in the history of the English Premier League with 658 matches, surpassing the historical record recorded in the name of Gareth Barry, to write his name in letters. Who is gold in the records of the Premier League.
This historic achievement came during the past season, when he held the record while participating with Brighton against Brentford, adding a new achievement to a busy career that extended through different generations of English football.
During his long career, the English midfielder succeeded in winning many major championships, most notably the English Premier League with Manchester City and Liverpool shirts, in addition to winning the Champions League title with the Reds, as well as For his continued participation at the highest local and continental levels.
In an emotional message through his official accounts, Milner announced his decision to end his professional career, recalling the memories of his beginning with Leeds United when he was sixteen years old, stressing that he did not imagine at the time that his journey would continue for more than two decades filled with achievements and historical moments.
The English player also expressed his pride in contributing to the successes of the clubs whose colors he defended, stressing that every station of his career had a bearing. Special memories, starting with Leeds United, through Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Liverpool, all the way to Brighton.
Milner pointed out that his career gave him a rare opportunity to take on various challenges, from relegation struggles to competing for local and continental titles, as well as representing the England national team in the World Cup and the European Nations Cup, considering that the friendships and relationships that he built during this journey represent the greatest thing he has come out of the world of football. After announcing his retirement, messages of appreciation and praise poured in from his former teammates and a large number of the game’s stars, who unanimously agreed that Milner was a model professional player on and off the field, thanks to his great commitment and amazing continuity at the highest levels.
With his retirement, the career of one of the most consistent and influential players in the history of modern English football comes to an end, after James Milner succeeded in leaving an immortal mark on the fields, so that his name will remain present among the legends of the English Premier League for many years to come.