Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Mon 1 June 2026 14:30, UK

Premier League icon and former Aston Villa man James Milner has announced his retirement after breaking the competition’s appearance record last season.

Having made his debut for Leeds United in 2002, the midfielder ends his career at the age of 40, with 658 Premier League matches to his name.

After taking the record from fellow former Villa midfielder Gareth Barry back in February, Milner made his final appearance in Brighton’s final-day clash against Manchester United at the end of last month.

Initially joining on loan in 2005, the versatile Milner would end up back at Villa Park in 2008, where he spent a further two years before moving to Manchester City.

As he calls time on an iconic career, Villa fans have been full of praise for the consummate professional.

Aston Villa fans sing James Milner’s praise as iconic career ends

Across English football, Milner is a unique character who has earned the respect of most fanbases in the country.

The same can be said with Villa, where he racked up 33 and 93 appearances across his two spells.

With the Villans taking to social media to congratulate him on a superb career, supporters took to the replies to join in with the praise.

What a player, what a pro… Legend

— Tim P (@TheBottom_Lines) June 1, 2026

“What a player, what a pro… Legend,” said one fan, while one supporter touched on how big of a loss he was at the time.

Quality player, always felt he was the biggest loss to us at the time. More so than Barry, young etc

— VillaAstonNews (@VillaAstonNews) June 1, 2026

Alongside this, his goal in the 1-0 win against rivals Birmingham is remembered fondly, with Milner scoring from the spot to send the Holte End into raptures back in 2010.

Winner against the scum. Automatic legend.

— S L R (@B15villa) June 1, 2026

Going on to lift trophy after trophy at Manchester City and Liverpool, Milner would become synonymous with English football.

Despite his most successful years being away from the Midlands, those associated with Villa were still full of praise for his work.

Consummate professional and unbelievably consistent. @JamesMilner in the middle
of the park for Villa was a revelation. No surprise he went on to achieve the number of titles and accolades. Congratulations on a phenomenal career #UTV #AVFC https://t.co/xeB18H8KY3

— Ed Wilson (@EdWilson87) June 1, 2026

Won’t be remembered most for his time at Villa but one of my all time favourite players at the club. https://t.co/p6aXVNiQTL

— Mark Oldacres (@MarkOldacres) June 1, 2026

Aston Villa have one man who is the modern-day James Milner

A fantastic character and unbelievable presence in the dressing room, it is no coincidence that he was adored by Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool despite his best years being something of the past.

Out of the current squad, the only man who can fit into the same bracket when it comes to influence, both on and off the pitch, is John McGinn.

Also a versatile midfielder capable of playing in the middle or out wide, McGinn has proven to be a talisman for many years – the biggest testament being that he has adapted to each level as the B6 outfit has progressed, captaining the club on their way to the recent Europa League triumph.

Of course, it remains to be seen whether his career will last as long as Milner’s.

But in McGinn, is the character needed in the Villa dressing room, while his quality with the ball at his feet has been a huge asset since the days in the Championship.

With Unai Emery’s side back in the Champions League, the Scotsman will be leading his side out at the highest level next term, and like Milner, he deserves every bit of success as a result of a wonderful career.