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Former Liverpool and Man City star James Milner announces retirement
01st June, 2026 12:02 PM
Former England international James Milner has announced his retirement after a 24-year Premier League career.
The versatile 40-year-old was out of contract after spending the past three seasons with Brighton.
Milner played for six teams in England’s top flight and broke the record for most Premier League appearances in February.
He started his career with Leeds and went on to win three Premier League titles, two with Manchester City and one with Liverpool, and also helped the Reds win the Champions League in 2019.
Unforgettable moments
“I have been fortunate enough to experience some unforgettable moments, from fighting for survival to winning trophies, playing in Europe, and representing my country at two European Championships and two World Cups,” read a statement by Milner on social media.
Big names exit the EPL
“But more than anything, it’s the people and friendships I’ve made throughout the game that I’ll cherish forever.”
His retirement comes in the wake of major Premier League exits by big-name players after the 2025/26 season.
His former team, Liverpool, ranks among the hardest hit, with up to four players confirmed to have departed the Merseyside club.
ALSO READ: Adios! Mohamed Salah and iconic stars who bid EPL goodbye
Reds winger and mainstay Mohamed Salah headlined the exits list that also has Andy Robertson and French defender Ibrahima Konate.
The Egyptian had announced his impending departure from the Merseyside club and received his final respects at Anfield on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
Several other top athletes who have called time on their careers with their current clubs in the English Premier League include Casemiro of Manchester United and the Manchester City pair of John Stones and Bernardo Silva.
The stars were treated to emotional farewells during the climax of the league on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
Joining this elite list of football royalty bidding farewell to the English top flight is Pep Guardiola, who has officially called time on his historic ten-year stay at Manchester City, and Arne Slot, who has also left his head coach role at Liverpool.
