James Milner, 40, has called time on a remarkable football career after retiring from the game, having last season broken the all-time record for Premier League appearances. The former Leeds United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder made 658 top-flight appearances — surpassing the previous record of 653 held by Gareth Barry — over 8,504 days in the competition.

Born and raised in Leeds, Milner made his Premier League debut for hometown club Leeds United in November 2002, earning just £70 a week as a YTS trainee. His career also brought 61 England caps, three Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and one UEFA Champions League triumph.

From the terraces to the record books

Milner grew up a Leeds fan — the kind who wore the name of striker Tony Yeboah on the back of his shirt. Six months after sitting his GCSE exams, manager Terry Venables sent the 16-year-old on as a substitute in a 4-3 win at West Ham United on 10 November 2002, with his father Peter watching from the away end.

Weeks later, Milner became the youngest Premier League goalscorer at the time — aged 16 years and 356 days — netting in a 2-1 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Despite that milestone, he was still expected to help the kit man clean up the dressing room after games and continued polishing the under-18 captain's boots.

A loan spell at Swindon Town in the third tier served as a formative experience. Teammate Sam Parkin recalls a teenager who stood out for his commitment.