BRIGHTON, England (AP) — James Milner announced his retirement from soccer on Monday, closing the chapter on a career that produced 658 Premier League appearances — the most in league history — along with a full set of club trophies.
A Career Bookended by Firsts
Milner began his professional career at age 16 with his boyhood club Leeds United, becoming the Premier League's youngest goal-scorer at the time. That early milestone proved to be less a promise fulfilled than a career that exceeded almost every reasonable expectation.
The record does not need much decoration; it already does the talking.
"I could never have dreamed of the journey I've been on," he wrote on social media. "I've been fortunate enough to experience some unforgettable moments, from fighting for survival to winning trophies, playing in Europe, and representing my country."
The Trophy Collection
At club level, Milner collected three Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups, two English League Cups, and the Club World Cup. The breadth of silverware places him among the most decorated English players of their generation.
For England, he earned 61 caps and appeared at two European Championships and two World Cups.
Mixed Emotions
His retirement message included thanks to both supporters and detractors. "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."
It is rare that a footballer thanks the people who jeered them, and rarer still that the sentiment appears completely genuine.