James Milner announces his retirement from professional football at the age of 40. The midfielder, who spent the last three years at Brighton & Hove Albion, says he leaves the game with pride and gratitude and reflects on memories from a long career. Multiple outlets describe Milner as the Premier League’s record appearance holder, having broken the mark for most league appearances while playing for Brighton against Brentford in February. He finishes his Premier League career with 658 appearances, and reports also note that he played 24 seasons in the competition. Sources also state that Milner began his career at Leeds United as a teenager and went on to play for several major English clubs, including Liverpool and Manchester City. The Athletic reports that Brighton offered him another year’s contract, but he chooses to retire instead. Internationally, Milner is described as having made 61 appearances for England. The retirement brings to an end a career that is largely associated with the Premier League and its longevity.