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  "path": "/sport/football/james-milner-retires-football",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-01T08:22:32.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "View this post on Instagram",
    "A post shared by James Milner (@jamesmilnerofficial)",
    "Thomas Tuchel suffers big setback due to rule change ahead of England World Cup campaign",
    "Soccer Aid viewers left baffled by celebrity line-up as fans ask: ‘Who are they?’",
    "Trans athlete wins two titles as tempers boil over and protests take place",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter",
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    "@leedsunited",
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  "textContent": "\n\n\nJames Milner has announced his retirement from football at the age of 40.\n\nThe midfielder, who walks away after a three-year stint with Brighton, has opted to hang up his boots after a glittering career that has seen him win 13 major trophies.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nWriting on social media, he said: \"After 24 seasons in the @premierleague, it feels like the right time to bring an end to my playing career.\n\n\"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.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n\"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.\n\n\"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.\n\n\"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.\n\n\"But more than anything, it’s the people and friendships I’ve made throughout the game that I’ll cherish forever.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n>        View this post on Instagram            \n>\n> A post shared by James Milner (@jamesmilnerofficial)\n\n\"To the fans, thank you.\n\n\"To those who supported me every step of the way, your encouragement meant more than you’ll ever know.\n\n\"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.\n\n\"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.\n\n### LATEST SPORTS NEWS:\n\n\n\n\n  * Thomas Tuchel suffers big setback due to rule change ahead of England World Cup campaign\n  * Soccer Aid viewers left baffled by celebrity line-up as fans ask: ‘Who are they?’\n  * Trans athlete wins two titles as tempers boil over and protests take place\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\"I leave the game with immense pride, gratitude and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.\n\n\"Football has given me far more than I could ever have imagined, and I will always be thankful for the opportunities it provided.\n\n\"Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey.\"\n\nMilner started his career at Leeds, making his debut in November 2002 before proceeding to become the youngest Premier League goalscorer in history a month later when he scored at the age of 16 years and 309 days against Sunderland.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nAfter spending some time on loan with Swindon, Milner then proceeded to join Newcastle in 2004.\n\nHe won the Intertoto Cup with the Toon and later joined Aston Villa, before sealing a move to Manchester City in January 2011.\n\nMilner won five trophies during his time at the Etihad Stadium, including two league titles in 2012 and 2014.\n\nDuring his time at Liverpool, the veteran tasted title glory in 2020.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHe also became a Champions League winner in 2019, while scooping FA Cup, Carabao Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup trophies too.\n\nAll in all he made 903 club appearances, while also overtaking Gareth Barry to hold the record for the most Premier League outings.\n\nRegarding his England career, Milner turned out 61 times for his country.\n\nHe made his debut in 2009, while his last appearance for the Three Lions was a decade ago in 2016.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nMilner scored one goal for his country, as well as 86 throughout his club career.\n\nWhat the future now holds for a true Premier League legend remains to be seen.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "James Milner announces football retirement aged 40 after 964 games, 87 goals and 13 trophies"
}