The Premier League’s all-time record appearance maker James Milner has announced his retirement from professional soccer after a glittering career in England’s top flight.
Milner, who won the division with Manchester City and Liverpool after spells with Leeds United, Newcastle United and Aston Villa, has spent the past three seasons imparting his wisdom on the south coast shores at Brighton & Hove Albion. Injury has predictably dogged the final few years of the iconic midfielder’s career but he was still able to amass 20 league appearances in 2025–26, taking his total haul to a staggering 658, the most of any player in the competition’s history.
After surpassing Gareth Barry’s long-standing high watermark in February, Milner opened the door to a contract extension this summer. “Hopefully I’ve proved the last few games that I can still contribute on the pitch. I’m delighted to be part of it and the dressing room, it’s full of incredible characters and very good players, and a good up and coming manager,” he beamed.
“I’ll keep pushing, let’s see where that takes us.”
Fabian Hürzeler, Brighton’s manager who was in fourth grade when Milner made his Premier League debut in 2002, was certainly keen for the veteran to carry on. “He transports my messages, he transports my values in the group, and ... takes responsibility in the right moments,” the German coach gushed. Now he’ll need a new vehicle for those intangibles.
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