The Leeds United academy graduate received countless messages after confirming his retirement.
James Milner has been labelled an ‘example to all’ by one former Leeds United teammate following his retirement from professional football.
Milner confirmed his decision to call time on an incredible 24-year career with an emotional statement on Monday. The 40-year-old began his career as a teenager with boyhood club Leeds, joining Swindon Town on loan briefly before spells at Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton.
Milner posted a heartfelt statement confirming his retirement on Instagram and received countless responses, a handful of which have come from former Leeds teammates. The teenager’s first campaign at Elland Road was Jonathan Woodgate’s last, and he wrote: “Incredible career mate. You should be very proud of all your achievements. An example to all players.”
Ian Harte was involved in Milner’s debut game, a thrilling 4-3 win at West Ham in November 2002. The former left-back wrote: “What a career @jamesmilnerofficial one of the best! Enjoy retirement and plenty of golf.”
Robbie Keane, meanwhile, left Leeds in the summer of 2002 but will have trained alongside a young Milner prior to his senior debut. He wrote: “Congratulations on a great career mate.”
And Milner’s influence has extended to more recent Leeds legends, including 2019/20 promotion-winning captain Liam Cooper. The defender wrote: “What a career and example for all. MOT.”
With such a lengthy career spanning so many clubs, plus international duty with England, Milner also received a huge number of messages from those away from Leeds. Among those to respond were Coventry City boss Frank Lampard, Brighton star Georginio Rutter and Fulham’s Harry Wilson.
James Milner retirement statement in full
In a statement on Instagram, Milner wrote: “After 24 seasons in the @premierleague, it feels like the right time to bring an end to my playing career. From making my debut for @leedsunited, who I supported growing up, at the age of 16 and becoming the Premier League’s youngest scorer, I could never have dreamed of the journey I’ve been on, right through to not being able to lift my foot last year and then coming back to be part of @officialbhafc qualifying for Europe for the second time in their history at the age of 40.
“To have gone on to represent @nufc, @astonvilla, @mancity, @liverpoolfc and @officialbhafc — and not forgetting a memorable month at @officialstfc — has been an incredible privilege. Every club has played a huge role in my life and career, and I want to thank everyone involved — the owners, staff, coaches, teammates and supporters who welcomed me and helped me along the way.
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“I’ve 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. But more than anything, it’s the people and friendships I’ve made throughout the game that I’ll cherish forever.
“To the fans, thank you. To those who supported me every step of the way, your encouragement meant more than you’ll ever know. And to those who gave me grief along the way, thank you too — you all played your part in making the journey memorable and helping shape me as a player and person. To my family, thank you for every sacrifice, every mile travelled and every moment of encouragement. None of this would have been possible without you.
“I leave the game with immense pride, gratitude and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Football has given me far more than I could ever have imagined, and I will always be thankful for the opportunities it provided. Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey.”
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