BRIGHTON, England (AP) 鈥� Premier League icon James Milner announced his retirement from soccer on Monday, bringing an end to a record-breaking career that saw him make 658 appearances in England’s top division and win a full set of trophies at club level.
The 40-year-old midfielder played for top teams including Liverpool, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Leeds over 24 seasons. He finished his career at Brighton after setting a new record for the most and said it felt 鈥渓ike the right time鈥� to walk away.
鈥淚 could never have dreamed of the journey l鈥檝e been on,鈥� he said on social media. 鈥淚鈥檝e been fortunate enough to experience some unforgettable moments, from fighting for survival to winning trophies, playing in Europe, and representing my country, England, at two European Championships and two World Cups.鈥�
Milner began his career aged 16 at his boyhood club Leeds and became the Premier League’s youngest goal-scorer at the time.
He went on to win three Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups, two English League Cups and the Club World Cup.
At international level Milner won 61 caps for England.
鈥淭o those who supported me every step of the way, your encouragement meant more than you鈥檒l ever know. And to those who gave me grief along the way, thank you too 鈥� you all played your part in making the journey memorable and helping shape me as a player and person,鈥� he said.
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