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We asked for your thoughts on James Milner's time at Amex Stadium, after the 40-year-old announced his retirement from playing on Monday.

Here are some of your replies:

David: What can I say other than he is a consummate professional. He brought massive experience, superb fitness and great input to our team's cohesion. I was hoping he would stay on for another season to help with the next European adventure. I sincerely hope he will still be around in some capacity at the club. Thank you for everything.

Nigel: A huge thank you for sharing your vast experience with the players of Brighton, James Milner. You were always exciting when you came on the pitch. Have a long and happy retirement.

Graham: He was always a 7 out of 10 player, every time he played at least. He gave his all, he was very committed in tackles and he played hard but fair. He gained respect based on how he conducted himself, on and off the pitch, and he had a great footballing brain which enabled him to be successful throughout his career. He added to Brighton's solid midfield and made a good contribution to Brighton's success during the past three years.

Joe: Look, his longevity has to be admired, and of course he is revered by Liverpool and Leeds fans where his contributions were huge, but let's not kid ourselves on what this past season was: a vanity project to get him to the Premier League appearance record, mainly via two-minute 'appearances'. Once that was done, it was obvious he would retire. He had a few semi-decent games for us, but he was often poor too.

Liam: As fans, we have to take the word of insiders to know what impact a player has beyond the pitch. I'm not sure insiders have spoken more highly of any other player in many years at Brighton. The modern Premier League is so physically demanding that it was extraordinary to see James Milner compete as he did in his final season. Focus, drive, standards, expectations and energy were evident in spades. His restoration to the team resulted in a return to winning ways - it clearly wasn't a coincidence. Thanks, James.

James Milner has called time on a remarkable a 24-year Premier League career, in which he has clocked up numerous impressive and record-breaking statistics.

He made 964 senior appearances for both club and country, with his 658 Premier League appearances the most of any player in competition history.

He is both the youngest and second-oldest Premier League goalscorer, and is 10th in the competition's assist charts, providing 90 across his 658 appearances.

Those 90 assists were for 47 different players in the Premier League, with Liverpool's Roberto Firmino benefitting from more Milner assists than anyone else (10).

Among the records Milner holds during the Premier League era, there is the the most substitute appearances by a player (218), while only eight players have more than his 13 goals as a substitute in the competition.

His 658 Premier League appearances came across six different clubs and in February he became only the fourth outfielder in the competition's history to start a match in his 40s.

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton midfielder James Milner has announced his retirement from playing, bringing the end to a glittering 24-year Premier League career.

The 40-year-old, who joined the Seagulls after his Liverpool contract expired in July 2023, played for six different teams in England's top flight.

After making his Premier League debut for Leeds United as a 16-year-old in 2002, he went on to break the record for the most Premier League appearances.

Milner, who could play on the wing, in midfield and at full-back, won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Super Cup, two FA Cups, two Carabao Cups, two Community Shields and the Club World Cup throughout his career.

He posted a farewell message on Instagram, external, which read: "After 24 seasons in the Premier League, it feels like the right time to bring an end to my playing career.

"From making my debut for Leeds United, who I supported growing up, at the age of 16 and becoming the Premier League's youngest scorer, I could never have dreamed of the journey I have been on, right through to not being able to lift my foot last year and then coming back to be part of Brighton qualifying for Europe for the second time in their history at the age of 40.

"To have gone on to represent Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton - and not forgetting a memorable month at Swindon Town - has been an incredible privilege.

"Every club has played a huge role in my life and career, and I want to thank everyone involved - the owners, staff, coaches, teammates and supporters who welcomed me and helped me along the way.

"I have been fortunate enough to experience some unforgettable moments, from fighting for survival to winning trophies, playing in Europe, and representing my country England at two European Championships and two World Cups.

"But more than anything, it is the people and friendships I have made throughout the game that I'll cherish forever.

"To the fans, thank you. 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.

"To my family, thank you for every sacrifice, every mile travelled and every moment of encouragement. None of this would have been possible without you.

"I leave the game with immense pride, gratitude and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Football has given me far more than I could ever have imagined, and I will always be thankful for the opportunities it provided.

"Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey."

As Milner calls time on his playing career, we want your input. What did you think of his time in a Brighton shirt?

Get in touch with your comments here

Brighton will face competition from Hoffenheimand Eintracht Frankfurt for the signature of Wolfsburg's 25-year-old Austrian winger Patrick Wimmer. (Florian Plettenberg), external

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