Leeds United academy graduate James Milner’s long and hugely successful career is now over following confirmation of his retirement. The 40-year-old broke the news with an emotional statement on Monday morning, calling time on an incredible playing spell spanning 24 years and seven clubs.
Milner retires as the Premier League’s all-time record appearance-maker with 658 games under his belt, the first of which came in November 2002. A then-16-year-old winger replaced Jason Wilcox off the bench as Leeds won a thriller 4-3 at West Ham, with all four Whites strikes coming before half-time.
Below, the YEP takes a look back at how Leeds lined up that day and the presence of some older players is evidence - should anyone need it - of just how long Milner has been atop English football. View the full starting-XI and bench below.
