EPL record fell, and now so did the curtain: Milner announces his retirement
.jpeg)
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 01.06.26. | 19:53
Three and a half months after becoming a player with the most appearances in Premier League history, the 40-year-old decided to hang up his boots
It was as if he had just been waiting all along for the record to fall...
Only three and a half months after becoming a player with the most appearances in Premier League history, James Milner announced his retirement from professional football.
🚨🚨| BREAKING: James Milner has announced he retired from professional football.
— Goals Side (@goalsside) June 1, 2026
What a career! He has the record of the most appearances in the Premier League. 🐐🎉 pic.twitter.com/cdDkqq6YHo
Whether he would have hung up his boots earlier had he not been close to breaking Gareth Barry's record, we'll never know. Still, once Milner achieved this exceptional accomplishment, the decision had probably been made.
Either way, the 40-year-old will - apart from the aforementioned milestone - be remembered as the former Leeds United, Swindon Town, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Brighton player, the ex-England international, the three-time Premier League winner, and the 2019 European champion with the Reds.
In his lengthy career, Milner made an impressive 903 appearances, scoring 86 goals. He spent 24 years in England's top flight, making his debut at the age of 16. At 40, he decided to call it a day.
He wore the Three Lions jersey 61 times, representing them in two European Championships and as many World Cups.
All in all, more than enough to leave a massive mark in the cradle of football.
Farewell, James. Enjoy your retirement.