James Milner admits 'really tough' retirement decision is looming

At 40, James Milner says a "really tough" decision over retirement is approaching. The former Manchester City and Liverpool midfielder remains a key figure at Brighton, has become the Premier League's all-time leading appearance maker, and his current 12-month deal will come to a close in the summer.

Milner has known little else but professional football for almost 25 years, making his senior debut for Leeds as a 16-year-old in 2002. Passing his 40th birthday put him in an exclusive group alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Teddy Sheringham, Luka Modric and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

He admits he is undecided about how long to continue. "I think it's a really tough one," he said, noting how quickly things can change in football and weighing questions such as whether to play until he physically cannot, until he loses the love for it, or to stop before that point.

james milner, retirement decision, brighton, premier league, all-time appearances, manchester city, liverpool, leeds, 40th birthday, 12-month deal