Editing James Milner (section)

==Club career==
===Leeds United===
Milner's first-team debut for Leeds came on 10 November 2002, in a match against [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]], when he came on as a [[Substitute (association football)|substitute]] for [[Jason Wilcox]] for the last six minutes.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/948604 |title=Milner: I gave the ball away with my first touch! |publisher=Premier League |date=20 December 2018 |access-date=22 April 2021 |archive-date=4 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904110800/https://www.premierleague.com/news/948604 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2388573.stm |title=Leeds win Upton Park thriller |website=BBC Sport |date=10 November 2002 |access-date=22 April 2021 |archive-date=8 June 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040608071308/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2388573.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> The appearance made him the second-youngest player ever to play in the [[Premier League]], at the age of 16 years and 309 days.<ref name=ESPN/> On 26 December 2002, at 16 years and 356 days, he became the youngest player to score in the Premier League, with a goal in a 2–1 win against [[Sunderland A.F.C.|Sunderland]].<ref name=interview/><ref>{{cite news |title=The Premiership's youngest guns |website=BBC Sport |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/football/features/newsid_2609000/2609487.stm |date=27 December 2002 |access-date=11 August 2007 |archive-date=28 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090328052756/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/football/features/newsid_2609000/2609487.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> His record was broken by [[James Vaughan (footballer, born 1988)|James Vaughan]] of [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] in 2005.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/photo_galleries/photos_of_the_day/4432217.stm |title=Youngest Premiership goalscorers |website=BBC Sport |date=11 April 2005 |access-date=18 September 2009 |archive-date=4 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904110817/https://secure-uk.imrworldwide.com/cgi-bin/m?ci=bbc&cg=0&rd=1630753689758&si=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.bbc.co.uk%2Fsport2%2Fhi%2Fphoto_galleries%2Fphotos_of_the_day%2F4432217.stm&rp=&sr=1600x1000&cd=24&lg=en-US&je=n&ck=y&tz=0&ct=&hp=&tl=BBC%20SPORT%20%7C%20Photo%20Galleries%20%7C%20Photos%20of%20the%20Day%20%7C%20Youngest%20Premiership%20goalscorers&ts=v5.js |url-status=live}}</ref> In a match against [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] two days later, Milner scored again, with a deft first touch of the ball and manoeuvre, to avoid a tackle from Chelsea defender [[Marcel Desailly]].<ref name="Chelsea goal"/> The manoeuvre created a yard of space for him to deliver a curling shot from {{convert|18|yd|m|0}}.<ref name="Chelsea goal">{{cite news |title=Goal of the week – Master Milner's class act |website=BBC Sport |date=22 December 2002 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2613467.stm |access-date=13 September 2007 |archive-date=12 July 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040712185211/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2613467.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> Reporters were impressed by his overall performance in the match, especially by his desire, confidence, and ability with both feet.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2597007.stm |title=Chelsea crash to Leeds |website=BBC Sport |date=28 December 2002 |access-date=22 April 2021 |archive-date=8 June 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040608025603/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2597007.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> Chelsea manager [[Claudio Ranieri]] remarked after the match that Milner had performed like a much more experienced player.<ref name=Chelsea2>{{cite news |last=Taylor |first=Daniel |title=Milner fills Leeds with teen spirit |newspaper=The Guardian |date=30 December 2002 |url=http://football.guardian.co.uk/Match_Report/0,,-40980,00.html |access-date=28 July 2007 |location=London |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513115727/http://football.guardian.co.uk/Match_Report/0,,-40980,00.html |archive-date=13 May 2008}}</ref> The performance prompted comparisons to [[England national football team|England]] internationals [[Michael Owen]] and Wayne Rooney, who had also come to footballing prominence as teenagers.<ref name=Chelsea>{{cite news |last=Lawrence |first=Amy |title=Magical Milner |newspaper=The Guardian |date=28 December 2002 |url=http://football.guardian.co.uk/Observer_Match_Report/0,,-40980,00.html |access-date=28 July 2007 |location=London |archive-date=4 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304130428/http://football.guardian.co.uk/Observer_Match_Report/0,,-40980,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

After more appearances for Leeds, Milner signed a five-year contract with them on 10 February 2003.<ref>{{cite news |title=Milner signs Leeds deal |website=BBC Sport |date=10 February 2003 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/2745555.stm |access-date=11 August 2007 |archive-date=1 April 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030401095232/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/2745555.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> At the start of the [[2003–04 Swindon Town F.C. season|2003–04 season]], Milner was sent on a one-month [[Loan (association football)|loan]] to [[Football League Second Division|Second Division]] club [[Swindon Town F.C.|Swindon Town]] to gain experience as a first-team player.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/2276708/milner-wont-be-staying-at-swindon |title=Milner won't be staying at Swindon |first=Mark |last=Buckingham |website=Sky Sports |access-date=22 April 2021 |archive-date=22 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422172507/https://www.skysports.com/football/news/2276708/milner-wont-be-staying-at-swindon |url-status=live}}</ref> Before the stint, he saw it as a valuable experience as a player.<ref name=interview/> He spent a month with Swindon, playing in six matches and scoring two goals against [[Peterborough United F.C.|Peterborough United]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/3113816.stm |title=Swindon 2–0 Peterborough |website=BBC Sport |date=27 September 2003 |access-date=3 September 2009 |archive-date=4 October 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031004151038/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/3113816.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Luton Town F.C.|Luton Town]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/3139868.stm |title=Swindon 2–2 Luton |website=BBC Sport |date=1 October 2003 |access-date=3 September 2009 |archive-date=18 May 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060518195212/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/3139868.stm |url-status=live}}</ref>

However, Leeds' fortunes were on the decline; the team became the subject of numerous negative stories in the media, and several first-team players were sold.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/from-barcelona-to-league-1-the-sad-story-of-leeds-uniteds/g7m3f4h55ysm1dwylsfxugpmv |title=From Barcelona to League 1 – the sad story of Leeds United's financial collapse |website=Goal |first=Sean |last=Cole |date=3 August 2019 |access-date=22 April 2021 |archive-date=22 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422172735/https://www.goal.com/en/news/from-barcelona-to-league-1-the-sad-story-of-leeds-uniteds/g7m3f4h55ysm1dwylsfxugpmv |url-status=live}}</ref> Milner said he believed that this experience made him emotionally stronger and taught him how to deal with team problems.<ref name=interview/> Leeds' eventual [[promotion and relegation|relegation]] to the [[EFL Championship|Championship]] led to speculation over Milner's future at the club. [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]], [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]] and Everton all expressed an interest in signing him.<ref name=ESPN>{{cite web |title=16 James Milner – Midfielder |website=ESPN Soccernet |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/profile?id=26843&cc=5739 |access-date=28 July 2007 |archive-date=29 December 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061229231854/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/profile?id=26843&cc=5739 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Ultimately, Villa and Everton did not make offers and Milner rejected an offer from Tottenham as they were based too far from his family home, where he still lived.<ref name="Milner plots Leeds deal">{{cite news |title=Milner plots Leeds deal |website=BBC Sport |date=13 May 2004 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/3710803.stm |access-date=23 August 2007 |archive-date=4 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904110800/https://secure-uk.imrworldwide.com/cgi-bin/m?ci=bbc&cg=0&rd=1630753680469&si=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.bbc.co.uk%2Fsport2%2Fhi%2Ffootball%2Fteams%2Ft%2Ftottenham_hotspur%2F3710803.stm&rp=&sr=1600x1000&cd=24&lg=en-US&je=n&ck=y&tz=0&ct=&hp=&tl=BBC%20SPORT%20%7C%20Football%20%7C%20My%20Club%20%7C%20Tottenham%20Hotspur%20%7C%20Milner%20plots%20Leeds%20deal&ts=v5.js |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=versatile>{{cite news |last=Lucas |first=Ed |title=Versatile Milner may be right for the England left |newspaper=The Independent |date=25 July 2004 |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/versatile-milner-may-be-right-for-the-england-left-48903.html |access-date=19 January 2011 |location=London |archive-date=15 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915090844/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/versatile-milner-may-be-right-for-the-england-left-48903.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Leeds insisted that he would not be sold, with chairman [[Gerald Krasner]] referring to him as "the future of Leeds".<ref name=interview/> Nonetheless, financial problems eventually forced Leeds to sell Milner to [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]] for £5&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/3852503.stm |title=Magpies land Milner |website=BBC Sport |date=2 July 2004 |access-date=22 April 2021 |archive-date=9 March 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060309034042/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/3852503.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> Although Milner was not happy to be leaving the club he had supported as a child, he wished to do what was "in the club's best interest"<ref name=interview/> and in July 2004, he agreed a five-year contract with Newcastle.<ref name=ESPN/>

===Newcastle United===
====Early career====
[[File:Milner2.JPG|thumb|upright|Milner playing for [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]] in 2004]]

Milner made his first appearance for Newcastle United during their pre-season tour of Asia, scoring his first goal for the club in a 1–1 draw against [[Kitchee SC|Kitchee]], in Hong Kong.<ref name=Impact>{{cite web |last=Pearson |first=James |title=Robson delight at Milner impact |website=Sky Sports |date=19 July 2004 |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11678/2305641/robson-delight-at-milner-impact |access-date=29 July 2007 |archive-date=21 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121180355/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11678/2305641/robson-delight-at-milner-impact |url-status=live}}</ref> During this tour, he took the opportunity to observe how Newcastle striker [[Alan Shearer]] dealt with attention from fans and the media and said that his association with people like Shearer gave him a better idea of how to deal with the media.<ref name="Sunday Telegraph"/>

Milner's first Premier League match for Newcastle came against [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] on 18 August 2004, in which he played on the right of the field as a [[Winger (association football)|winger]], despite having featured regularly on the left for Leeds.<ref name=position/> When asked about this after the match, Milner said he had no preference where on the pitch he played.<ref name=position>{{cite web |last=O'Rourke |first=Peter |title=Milner makes Magpies vow |website=Sky Sports |date=18 August 2004 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_2308355,00.html |access-date=21 August 2007 |archive-date=8 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208035028/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_2308355,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref> A month later he made his debut in European competition, when Newcastle played in the [[UEFA Cup]] against [[Bnei Sakhnin F.C.|Bnei Sakhnin]] from Israel, after coming on as a substitute for [[Shola Ameobi]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Newcastle 2–0 Bnei Sakhnin |website=BBC Sport |date=16 September 2004 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/3656126.stm |access-date=7 October 2007 |archive-date=24 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070824152506/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/3656126.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> In the same month, he scored his first competitive goal for the club, also as a substitute, in a 3–1 win against [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Newcastle 3–1 West Brom |website=BBC Sport |date=25 September 2004 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3661816.stm |access-date=23 August 2007 |archive-date=28 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060828095021/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3661816.stm |url-status=live}}</ref>

The situation changed for Milner after Newcastle manager [[Bobby Robson]], whom Milner considered his mentor, was sacked and replaced by [[Graeme Souness]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/james-milner-reveals-what-really-happened-between-him-and-graeme-souness-newcastle-united-252277 |title=James Milner reveals what really happened between him and Graeme Souness at Newcastle United |newspaper=Shields Gazette |date=20 September 2018 |access-date=22 April 2021 |archive-date=22 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422173726/https://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/james-milner-reveals-what-really-happened-between-him-and-graeme-souness-newcastle-united-252277 |url-status=live}}</ref> Under Souness, he started 13 league matches, but did not play his first full Premier League match for Newcastle until April 2005. Milner said that he was frustrated at not being used as a starter for most of the season.<ref>{{cite web |last=Buckingham |first=Mark |title=Milner's Magpies hope |website=Sky Sports |date=29 March 2005 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_2330925,00.html |access-date=10 September 2007 |archive-date=5 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505211001/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_2330925,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

At the start of the [[2005–06 Newcastle United F.C. season|2005–06 season]], Milner scored in Newcastle's 3–1 away win against [[MFK Dubnica|FK ZTS Dubnica]] in the [[UEFA Intertoto Cup]], and also set up Alan Shearer for the team's third goal.<ref>{{cite news |title=ZTS Dubnica 1–3 Newcastle |website=BBC Sport |date=17 June 2005 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4689063.stm |access-date=29 July 2007 |archive-date=26 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826033237/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4689063.stm |url-status=live}}</ref>

====Loan to Aston Villa====
A clause in Newcastle's purchase of [[Nolberto Solano]] from Aston Villa resulted in Milner being loaned to Villa for the rest of the season.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.birminghampost.net/news/local-news/solano-out-milner-in-3990942 |title=Solano out, Milner in |date=1 September 2005 |website=Birmingham Post |access-date=16 May 2019 |archive-date=7 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607202732/https://www.business-live.co.uk/news/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> Villa manager [[David O'Leary]], who had managed Milner at Leeds, was happy to acquire Milner in this deal, saying that he believed Villa got the better of the deal and that he hoped to improve Milner as a player.<ref>{{cite web |last=Pearson |first=James |title=O'Leary happy with Nobby deal |website=Sky Sports |date=1 September 2005 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2347428,00.html |access-date=29 July 2007 |archive-date=8 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208035104/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2347428,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Buckingham |first=Mark |title=O'Leary to improve Milner |website=Sky Sports |date=1 September 2005 |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11677/2347843/oleary-to-improve-milner |access-date=29 July 2007 |archive-date=21 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121181922/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11677/2347843/oleary-to-improve-milner |url-status=live}}</ref> He made his Villa debut on 12 September 2005 in a Premier League match against West Ham United.<ref name="Villa">{{cite web |url=https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2011/05/29/transfer-window-rewind-villas-great-eight-of-2005 |title=Transfer window rewind: Villa's great eight of 2005 |publisher=Aston Villa F.C. |first=Paul |last=Brown |date=29 May 2011 |access-date=22 April 2021 |archive-date=4 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904110758/https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2011/05/29/transfer-window-rewind-villas-great-eight-of-2005 |url-status=live}}</ref> Five days later, he scored his first goal for the club in a 1–1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.<ref name="Villa"/> In a [[EFL Cup|League Cup]] match less than a week later, he helped his team recover from being 3–1 down at half-time to win 8–3 against [[Wycombe Wanderers F.C.|Wycombe Wanderers]], scoring two goals in the second-half comeback.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/4258542.stm |title=Wycombe 3–8 Aston Villa |date=20 September 2005 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=16 May 2019 |archive-date=2 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102041956/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/4258542.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> Throughout the season, Milner was positive about his team. He remained confident that Villa would recover from a poor start to the season and praised the quality of the squad.<ref name=team>{{cite news |last=Buckingham |first=Mark |title=Milner upbeat for Villa |website=Sky Sports |date=4 October 2005 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2350606,00.html |access-date=29 July 2007 |archive-date=13 September 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120913064444/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2350606,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Milner was generally seen as a positive signing in a season that was disappointing for Villa.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rutledge |first=Lewis |title=O'Leary joy at Milner return |website=Sky Sports |date=14 April 2006 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2373489,00.html |access-date=30 July 2007 |archive-date=8 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208035252/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2373489,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Milner himself also received the loan move positively, saying that he would like to join Villa permanently because of the probability of becoming a regular starter, but said that the possibility of this happening was beyond his control.<ref>{{cite web |last=Buckingham |first=Mark |title=Milner waits on future |website=Sky Sports |date=24 December 2005 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2358774,00.html |access-date=30 July 2007 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055851/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2358774,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Manager David O'Leary confirmed during the season that he would like Milner to join the club permanently, but doubted he would be given the opportunity to sign him.<ref>{{cite web |last=Livie |first=Alex |title=O'Leary expects to lose Milner |website=Sky Sports |date=24 November 2005 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2355212,00.html |access-date=30 July 2007 |archive-date=8 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208035314/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2355212,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref> He even pulled out of signing [[Robert Huth]] so that he would have the funds to sign Milner permanently if the opportunity arose.<ref>{{cite web |last=Buckingham |first=Mark |title=Villa out of Huth chase |website=Sky Sports |date=23 December 2005 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11668_2358958,00.html |access-date=30 July 2007 |archive-date=8 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208035321/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11668_2358958,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

The newly appointed Newcastle manager [[Glenn Roeder]] appeared to appreciate Milner's ability more than Souness and expressed a desire that he remain a Newcastle player.<ref>{{cite web |title=Glenn Roeder has again said that James Milner's future lies at St James' Park |website=fansfc.com |date=27 June 2006 |url=http://www.fansfc.com/newcastlefootballclub/news.asp?newsid=154475 |access-date=26 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060709163408/http://www.fansfc.com/newcastlefootballclub/news.asp?newsid=154475 |archive-date=9 July 2006}}</ref> This, as well as the departure of O'Leary and the shortage of transfer funds at Villa, meant that a deal to sign Milner permanently seemed unlikely.<ref>{{cite news |title=Milner move to Villa is in doubt |website=BBC Sport |date=22 May 2006 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/5003814.stm |access-date=17 October 2007 |archive-date=2 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070102223713/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/5003814.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> In June, it became even less likely when Villa rejected an offer of Milner as part of a trade for [[Gareth Barry]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Jackson |first=Phil |title=Villa no to Barry-Milner swap |website=Sky Sports |date=14 June 2006 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2380236,00.html |access-date=30 July 2007 |archive-date=5 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505224248/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2380236,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref> However, the deal was resurrected when Villa were taken over by American billionaire [[Randy Lerner]], and [[Martin O'Neill]] was appointed as new manager.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/2006/08/14/lerner-villa-soccer-cx_cn_0814autofacescan01.html?sh=22b1c5a826b6 |title=Aston Villa Approves Billionaire's Takeover |website=Forbes |date=14 August 2006 |access-date=24 May 2021 |archive-date=24 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524175525/https://www.forbes.com/2006/08/14/lerner-villa-soccer-cx_cn_0814autofacescan01.html?sh=22b1c5a826b6 |url-status=live}}</ref> A move to Villa appeared to have been agreed, but at the last moment Newcastle recalled Milner and the talks broke down.<ref name=Roeder>{{cite news |last=Buckingham |first=Mark |title=Roeder backs Milner stance |website=Sky Sports |date=31 August 2006 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2388251,00.html |access-date=11 August 2007 |archive-date=8 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208035338/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2388251,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=O'Neill upset over Milner episode |website=BBC Sport |date=1 September 2006 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/5306302.stm |access-date=17 October 2007 |archive-date=11 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080911090030/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/5306302.stm |url-status=live}}</ref>

====Return to Newcastle United====
[[File:James Milner 17.jpg|left|thumb|upright|Milner taking a [[Free kick (association football)|free kick]] for [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]] in 2007]]

Newcastle's players and manager Glenn Roeder reacted positively to Milner's return at the start of the [[2006–07 Newcastle United F.C. season|2006–07 season]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Sol hails return of young gun Milner |website=officialplayersites |date=14 July 2006 |url=http://www.officialplayersites.com/players/solano/article.php?id=815 |access-date=13 August 2007 |archive-date=6 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206154115/http://www.officialplayersites.com/players/solano/article.php?id=815 |url-status=live}}</ref> Milner was a starter in the Newcastle team for the entire season.<ref name=Roeder/>

Newcastle made a poor start in the [[2006–07 FA Premier League|2006–07 Premier League]], but in European competition, Milner played a key role in helping Newcastle reach the round of 16 of the [[2006–07 UEFA Cup|UEFA Cup]], playing all but one of the Magpies 12 games.<ref name="2006/07">{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=33817&season_id=136 |title=Games played by James Milner in the 2006/07 season |website=Soccerbase.com |access-date=24 May 2021 |archive-date=13 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713234925/https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=33817&season_id=136 |url-status=live}}</ref> Rumours began to spread that he would be sold during the [[transfer window]] in January, although both Milner and Roeder dismissed these rumours.<ref>{{cite web |last=O'Rourke |first=Peter |title=Milner expects Toon stay |website=Sky Sports |date=4 December 2006 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2396713,00.html |access-date=30 July 2007 |archive-date=8 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208035348/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11677_2396713,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 1 January 2007, Milner scored his first goal of the season in a 2–2 draw with Manchester United.<ref name="2006/07" /> The goal came from a "stunning" shot from {{convert|25|yd|m|0}} away.<ref>{{cite news |last=Chowdhury |first=Saj |title=Newcastle 2–2 Man Utd |website=BBC Sport |date=1 January 2007 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6205747.stm |access-date=30 July 2007 |archive-date=18 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070118233425/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/6205747.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> He scored two more goals during the next three weeks, against [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] and then against West Ham United.<ref name="2006/07" /> During the season, Milner displayed his ability to play comfortably in a range of different positions by scoring and setting up goals with both feet from both sides.<ref name=Lampard>{{cite news |last=Hackett |first=Robin |title=Roeder hails dynamic Milner |website=Sky Sports |date=24 April 2007 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_2412065,00.html |access-date=30 July 2007 |archive-date=8 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208035400/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_2412065,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref> As a result, Milner signed a new contract at Newcastle in January, which secured his future at the club until 2011.<ref>{{cite web |last=Scurr |first=Andrew |title=Roeder Rejects Milner Exit Talk |website=Sky Sports |date=30 December 2006 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_2398870,00.html |access-date=11 August 2007 |archive-date=8 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208035410/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_2398870,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Higham |first=Paul |title=Toon see-off Villa challenge |website=Sky Sports |date=31 January 2007 |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_0,00.html |access-date=30 July 2007 |archive-date=8 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308073148/http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_0,00.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> He signed another four-year contract in May 2007, when [[Sam Allardyce]] took over as manager of Newcastle.<ref>{{cite web |title=Milner deal may be Sam's best move |website=icnewcastle |date=14 June 2007 |url=http://icnewcastle.icnetwork.co.uk/0200sport/0100football/tm_headline=milner-deal-may-be-sam-8217-s-best-move%26method=full%26objectid=19453436%26siteid=50081-name_page.html |access-date=30 July 2007 |archive-date=6 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306222835/http://icnewcastle.icnetwork.co.uk/0200sport/0100football/tm_headline=milner-deal-may-be-sam-8217-s-best-move%26method=full%26objectid=19453436%26siteid=50081-name_page.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Milner said later in the year that he was happy about his future at the club and its new manager, saying that the training sessions were "the best since I have been here".<ref>{{cite web |title=Milner is Sam happy player |website=icnewcastle |date=17 August 2007 |url=http://icnewcastle.icnetwork.co.uk/newcastleunited/chroniclesport/tm_headline=milner-is-sam-happy-player&method=full&objectid=19650900&siteid=50081-name_page.html |access-date=30 July 2007 |archive-date=6 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306221053/http://icnewcastle.icnetwork.co.uk/newcastleunited/chroniclesport/tm_headline%3Dmilner-is-sam-happy-player%26method%3Dfull%26objectid%3D19650900%26siteid%3D50081-name_page.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Allardyce said during the season that Milner was so keen to play, he was concerned Milner would "burn out mentally [and] physically".<ref>{{cite news |title=Sam to protect James |newspaper=Evening Chronicle |location=Newcastle upon Tyne |date=6 October 2007 |url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sam-to-protect-james-1504207 |access-date=30 June 2020 |archive-date=2 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702123251/https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sam-to-protect-james-1504207 |url-status=live}}</ref> As a result, Milner played mainly as a substitute in the early part of the season.<ref>{{cite web |last=Spellman |first=Damian |website=sportinglife |title=Milner Burnout Not An Option |url=http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/07/10/06/SOCCER_Newcastle_Allardyce.html |access-date=15 October 2007 |archive-date=9 April 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120409230558/http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/07/10/06/SOCCER_Newcastle_Allardyce.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

In late October, he scored Newcastle's 500th home Premier League goal in a 3–1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.<ref>{{cite web |title=Milner Marks Magpie Milestone |publisher=Newcastle United F.C. |date=23 October 2007 |url=http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10278~1150105,00.html |access-date=23 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025041848/http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10278~1150105,00.html |archive-date=25 October 2007}}</ref> A second Premier League goal of the season came fortuitously in the [[Tyne–Wear derby]] from a shot intended as a [[Cross (association football)|cross]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Milner steals fortunate point |website=Sky Sports |date=10 November 2007 |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_2847627,00.html |access-date=20 December 2007 |archive-date=1 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080101134854/http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0%2C19764%2C11065_2847627%2C00.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Allardyce praised Milner during the season, saying he was "a hugely experienced Premier League player".<ref>{{cite web |last=Slatcher |first=Laura |title=Allardyce belief in Milner |website=Sky Sports |date=15 December 2007 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_2977087,00.html |access-date=20 December 2007 |archive-date=5 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505221914/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_2977087,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

After missing the final nine matches of the season due to a foot injury,<ref>{{cite news |last=Oliver |first=Alan |title=Milner's ordered to take a break |newspaper=Evening Chronicle |location=Newcastle upon Tyne |date=13 May 2008 |url=http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2008/05/13/milner-s-ordered-to-take-a-break-72703-20901909/ |access-date=13 May 2008 |archive-date=5 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405183245/http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/ |url-status=live}}</ref> it was rumoured in May 2008 that Milner would be part of a transfer between Newcastle and [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Milner in shock Anfield move |newspaper=Lancashire Evening Post |date=11 May 2008 |url=http://www.lep.co.uk/national-football/Milner-in-shock-Anfield-move.4071630.jp |access-date=13 May 2008 |archive-date=17 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617140114/http://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/milner-in-shock-anfield-move-1-72285 |url-status=live}}</ref> Despite starting the season for Newcastle and scoring in a League Cup win over [[Coventry City F.C.|Coventry City]], it was revealed after the match that Milner had handed in a written [[transfer request]] the week before.<ref>{{cite news |title=PFA backing client Milner |website=Sky Sports |date=27 August 2008 |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_4057926,00.html |access-date=27 August 2008 |archive-date=2 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602183954/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_4057926,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Return to Aston Villa===
[[File:JamesMilnerVilla.JPG|thumb|upright|Milner training with [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]] in 2009]]

Milner signed for Aston Villa on 29 August 2008 for a fee of £12&nbsp;million,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/aug/30/premierleague.astonvilla |title=Milner: I was undervalued by Newcastle and had to leave |first1=Stuart |last1=James |first2=Louise |last2=Taylor |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=30 August 2008 |access-date=1 October 2018 |archive-date=1 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001211854/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/aug/30/premierleague.astonvilla |url-status=live}}</ref> and signed a four-year contract with the club.<ref>{{cite news |title=Villa sign Milner from Newcastle |website=BBC Sport |date=29 August 2008 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/7587996.stm |access-date=29 August 2008 |archive-date=30 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080830074557/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/7587996.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> Milner made his debut for Villa on 31 August 2008 as a second-half substitute against Liverpool.<ref>{{cite news |title=Aston Villa 0–0 Liverpool |website=BBC Sport |date=31 August 2008 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7578475.stm |access-date=1 September 2008 |first=Andrew |last=McKenzie |archive-date=28 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090328224752/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7578475.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> His first goals in his second spell at Villa came in a third round [[FA Cup]] tie against [[Gillingham F.C.|Gillingham]] at [[Priestfield Stadium]] on 4 January 2009 on his 23rd birthday, where he scored both goals in a 2–1 win for Villa.<ref>{{cite news |first=Julian |last=Shea |title=Gillingham 1–2 Aston Villa |website=BBC Sport |date=4 January 2009 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7803349.stm |access-date=4 January 2009 |archive-date=14 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090514100631/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7803349.stm |url-status=live}}</ref>

Milner's first Premier League goal in his second spell at Villa came on 17 January 2009 in a 2–1 win against Sunderland at the [[Stadium of Light]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Jamie |last=Lillywhite |title=Sunderland 1–2 Aston Villa |website=BBC Sport |date=17 January 2009 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7815635.stm |access-date=8 February 2009 |archive-date=18 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090118235104/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7815635.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> On 7 February 2009, Milner was named to the England senior team squad for the first time, after a run at club level that had impressed England manager [[Fabio Capello]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Beckham returns to England squad |website=BBC Sport |date=7 February 2009 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7874902.stm |access-date=8 February 2009 |first=Mandeep |last=Sanghera |archive-date=4 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804061427/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7874902.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> Milner continued to impress and, on 7 February, scored his second league goal of the season against [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]]. This was followed by a 25-yard [[Free kick (association football)|free kick]] at home against Everton as Villa came back from a 3–1 deficit to draw 3–3 on 12 April.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7978872.stm |title=Aston Villa 3–3 Everton |website=BBC Sport |date=12 April 2009 |access-date=18 June 2009 |first=Saj |last=Chowdhury |archive-date=1 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501125528/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7978872.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> He stated that his time at Villa was the "most settled" period of his career so far, having played for thirteen managers and caretakers despite being only 23.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~1822224,00.html |title=Milner: Stability suits me |date=9 October 2009 |publisher=Premier League |access-date=19 May 2010 |archive-date=13 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091013113035/http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~1822224,00.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/sep/02/james-milner-england-slovenia-croatia |title=James Milner makes most of England chance after his long wait |date=2 September 2009 |last=McCarra |first=Kevin |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=29 May 2010 |location=London |archive-date=5 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005091312/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/sep/02/james-milner-england-slovenia-croatia |url-status=live}}</ref>

At the start of the [[2009–10 Aston Villa F.C. season|2009–10 season]], Milner moved into the centre of midfield<ref>{{cite news |last1=James |first1=Stuart |title=James Milner makes an oracle of Fabio Capello |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/dec/07/james-milner-aston-villa-hull-city |access-date=26 August 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=7 December 2009 |archive-date=26 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026184035/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/dec/07/james-milner-aston-villa-hull-city |url-status=live}}</ref> after the sale of [[Captain (association football)|captain]] Gareth Barry to [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/8079088.stm |title=Man City snap up Barry for £12m |website=BBC Sport |date=2 June 2009|access-date=2 June 2009|archive-date=5 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090605172400/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/8079088.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> His goal in a win against [[Sunderland A.F.C.|Sunderland]] in December 2009 was later voted as Aston Villa's Goal of the Season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8408469.stm |title=Sunderland 0–2 Aston Villa |author=Sam Lyon |publisher=BBC Sport |date=15 December 2009 |access-date=21 December 2023}}</ref><ref name="AVPOTY">{{cite news|url=https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2010/05/06/milner-terrific-progress |title=Milner: Terrific Progress |author=Dan Harrison |publisher=Aston Villa F.C. |date=6 May 2010 |access-date=21 December 2023}}</ref> On 28 February 2010, he scored the opening goal in the [[2010 Football League Cup final|2010 League Cup final]] with a [[Penalty kick (association football)|penalty]].<ref name=2010LeagueCupFinal>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/8531179.stm |title=Aston Villa 1–2 Man Utd |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=28 February 2010 |access-date=21 December 2017 |archive-date=16 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120416102805/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/8531179.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> Villa were eventually beaten 2–1 by Manchester United.<ref name=2010LeagueCupFinal/> Milner ended the season with 12 goals and was named Aston Villa's Supporters' Player of the Year and [[PFA Young Player of the Year]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/7633849/PFA--proud-of-Young-Player-of-the-Year-James-Milner.html |title=PFA ' proud' of Young Player of the Year James Milner |date=26 April 2010 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |access-date=2 April 2018 |archive-date=2 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002020339/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/7633849/PFA--proud-of-Young-Player-of-the-Year-James-Milner.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

On 19 May 2010, Manchester City made a £20&nbsp;million offer for Milner which was rejected.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article7131259.ece |title=Manchester City lodge £20m bid for James Milner |last=Ducker |first=James |newspaper=The Times |date=20 May 2010 |access-date=20 May 2010 |location=London |archive-date=28 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528053431/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article7131259.ece |url-status=dead |url-access=limited}}</ref> On 22 July 2010, Villa manager Martin O'Neill said that Milner had shown a desire to leave Villa for City, but would only be sold at Villa's valuation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Milner can leave |website=Sky Sports |date=22 July 2010 |url=http://www.skysports.com/video/inline/0,26691,16468_6274983,00.html |access-date=17 August 2010 |archive-date=30 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100730075140/http://www.skysports.com/video/inline/0%2C26691%2C16468_6274983%2C00.html |url-status=live}}</ref> On 14 August, despite being on the verge of a move to Manchester City, Milner played in Villa's first match of the season against West Ham United, scoring Villa's third goal.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8906162.stm |title=Aston Villa 3–0 West Ham |website=BBC Sport |date=14 August 2010 |access-date=27 June 2020 |archive-date=14 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814065156/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8906162.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> Milner was given a standing ovation when he was substituted near the end of the match.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/8914969.stm |title=Kevin MacDonald defends decision to pick James Milner |date=14 August 2010 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=14 August 2010 |archive-date=13 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113023347/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/8914969.stm |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Manchester City===
[[File:James Milner 2014 08 10.jpg|thumb|upright|Milner playing for [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] in the [[2014 FA Community Shield]]]]

On 17 August 2010, it was reported that Aston Villa had agreed a deal with Manchester City to sell Milner subject to a medical.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/aug/17/james-milner-manchester-city |title=Manchester City agree deal to sign James Milner from Aston Villa |date=17 August 2010 |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=12 April 2020 |archive-date=18 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418041748/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/aug/17/james-milner-manchester-city |url-status=live}}</ref> The deal was reported to be worth around £26&nbsp;million,<ref>{{cite news |title=James Milner completes his transfer to Manchester City |website=BBC Sport |date=18 August 2010 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/8918222.stm |access-date=19 August 2010 |archive-date=10 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810224513/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/8918222.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> including a player exchange of [[Stephen Ireland]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/aug/17/james-milner-manchester-city |title=Manchester City agree deal to sign James Milner from Aston Villa |date=17 August 2010 |last=Stuart |first=James |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=17 August 2010 |location=London |archive-date=5 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005145214/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/aug/17/james-milner-manchester-city |url-status=live}}</ref> Milner made his debut for City on 23 August 2010 in a 3–0 home win against Liverpool, where he set up the first goal for former Villa teammate Gareth Barry.<ref>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Man City 3–0 Liverpool |website=BBC Sport |date=23 August 2010 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8929542.stm |access-date=23 August 2010 |archive-date=4 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904110758/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8929542.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Milner scored his first competitive goal for Manchester City in an [[2010–11 FA Cup|FA Cup]] third-round match at [[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]] which ended in a 2–2 draw.<ref>{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Fletcher |title=Leicester 2–2 Man City |website=BBC Sport |date=9 January 2011 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9341729.stm |access-date=5 February 2011 |archive-date=4 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904110758/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/9341729.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> The Leicester match was the start of a cup run that saw Manchester City reach the [[2011 FA Cup final]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9457489.stm |title=Man City 1–0 Man United |website=BBC Sport |date=16 April 2011 |access-date=27 June 2020 |archive-date=12 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112223026/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9457489.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> Milner was an unused substitute as Manchester City beat [[Stoke City F.C.|Stoke City]] 1–0 to win the FA Cup.<ref name=2011FACupFinal>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/13346941 |title=Man City 1–0 Stoke |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=14 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525071238/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/13346941 |archive-date=25 May 2014}}</ref>

Milner scored his first Premier League goal for Manchester City against Everton on 24 September 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14958201 |title=Manchester City 2–0 Everton |website=BBC Sport |date=24 September 2011 |access-date=27 June 2020 |archive-date=27 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627094740/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14958201 |url-status=live}}</ref> Two matches later, he scored his second, against former club Aston Villa in a 4–1 win.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15225816 |title=Manchester City 4–1 Aston Villa |website=BBC Sport |date=15 October 2011 |access-date=27 June 2020 |archive-date=27 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627094743/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15225816 |url-status=live}}</ref> The following week, Milner had a hand in two goals as Manchester City won the [[Manchester derby]] at [[Old Trafford]] 6–1, inflicting Manchester United's heaviest home league defeat since 1930.<ref>{{cite news |title=Manchester United 1–6 Manchester City |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/15325536 |website=BBC Sport |date=23 October 2011 |access-date=31 May 2012 |archive-date=15 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515015210/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/15325536 |url-status=live}}</ref> Over the course of the [[2011–12 Manchester City F.C. season|2011–12 season]], Milner made 26 Premier League appearances as Manchester City won the [[List of English football champions|league title]] for the first time in 44 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17973148 |title=Manchester City 3–2 QPR |website=BBC Sport |date=13 May 2012 |access-date=27 June 2020 |archive-date=21 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121002518/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17973148 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Milner won his first [[2012 FA Community Shield|Community Shield]] in August 2012, as City beat Chelsea at Villa Park.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19133978 |title=Chelsea 2–3 Man City |website=BBC Sport |date=12 August 2012 |access-date=27 June 2020 |archive-date=5 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605092224/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19133978 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 6 October 2012, Milner scored his first goal of the [[2012–13 Manchester City F.C. season|2012–13 season]] from a free kick to seal a 3–0 win against Sunderland.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19768745 "Man City 3–0 Sunderland"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114010747/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19768745 |date=14 January 2016 }}. ''BBC Sport''. 6 October 2012. Retrieved 6 October 2012.</ref> On 20 October, he received his first Premier League [[Red card (association football)|red card]] in a 2–1 win at West Bromwich Albion.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/19939465 |title=West Brom 1–2 Man City |date=20 October 2012 |access-date=14 April 2014 |website=BBC Sport |archive-date=28 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140428142405/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/19939465 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 13 January 2013, he scored City's opening goal in a 2–0 away win at [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]], which was the first time a City player had scored away at Arsenal in the League since 2007, and City's first win in the league at Arsenal since 1975.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20924865 "Arsenal 0–2 Manchester City"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104165042/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20924865 |date=4 January 2016 }}. ''BBC Sport''. 13 January 2013. Retrieved 27 January 2013.</ref> On 8 April, he scored in the Manchester derby as City beat Manchester United 2–1 at Old Trafford.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21992293 "Manchester United 1–2 Manchester City"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016220548/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21992293 |date=16 October 2015 }}. ''BBC Sport''. 8 April 2013. Retrieved 13 September 2013.</ref>

On 10 December 2013, Milner scored the winning goal in a 3–2 win against the reigning European champions [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]] at the [[Allianz Arena]] in the [[2013–14 UEFA Champions League|UEFA Champions League]], becoming the first English player to score for Manchester City in the competition that season.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25299215 "Bayern Munich 2–3 Manchester City"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016220548/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25299215 |date=16 October 2015 }}. ''BBC Sport''. 10 December 2013. Retrieved 10 December 2013.</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Kane |first=Desmond |url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/champions-league-matchpack-bayern-munich-v-manchester-city-094915237--sow.html |title=Champions League – Man City hit back to claim famous win in Munich – Yahoo Eurosport UK |publisher=Yahoo! |date=10 December 2013 |access-date=12 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216131441/http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/champions-league-matchpack-bayern-munich-v-manchester-city-094915237--sow.html |archive-date=16 December 2013}}</ref> That season would see Milner win a first League Cup winner's medal<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/26311649 |title=Manchester City 3–1 Sunderland |website=BBC Sport |date=2 March 2014 |access-date=11 February 2018 |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112040228/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/26311649 |url-status=live}}</ref> and a second Premier League title.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27273582 |title=Manchester City 2–0 West Ham United |website=BBC Sport |date=11 May 2014 |access-date=27 June 2020 |archive-date=21 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921001525/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27273582 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Liverpool===
====2015–2019: First seasons and Champions League title====
[[File:James Milner.jpg|thumb|upright|Milner playing for [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] in the [[2018 UEFA Champions League final]]]]

On 4 June 2015, Milner agreed to join Liverpool on a free transfer from Manchester City.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/33002472 |title=James Milner: Liverpool agree deal for Manchester City midfielder |website=BBC Sport |date=4 June 2015 |access-date=4 June 2015 |archive-date=4 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604101522/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/33002472 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/186300-liverpool-agree-deal-to-sign-milner |title=Liverpool agree deal to sign Milner |first=James |last=Carroll |publisher=Liverpool F.C. |date=4 June 2015 |access-date=4 June 2015 |archive-date=4 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604173947/http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/186300-liverpool-agree-deal-to-sign-milner |url-status=live}}</ref> On 7 August 2015, Milner was announced as the vice-captain.<ref>{{cite web |title=Milner confirmed as Reds' vice-captain |url=http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/190840-milner-confirmed-as-reds-vice-captain |publisher=Liverpool F.C. |access-date=7 August 2015 |date=7 August 2015 |archive-date=9 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150809221602/http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/190840-milner-confirmed-as-reds-vice-captain |url-status=live}}</ref> Milner played his first competitive match for the club in 1–0 win over Stoke City at the [[Britannia Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Stoke 0–1 Liverpool |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/33750574 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=10 August 2015 |date=9 August 2015 |archive-date=9 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150809235009/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/33750574 |url-status=live}}</ref> Milner captained Liverpool for the first time on his third appearance for the club, a 0–0 draw at Arsenal.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/arsenal-0-0-liverpool-fc-9921593 |title=Arsenal 0–0 Liverpool FC: player ratings – James Milner and Philippe Coutinho impress in Emirates stalemate |date=24 August 2015 |newspaper=Liverpool Echo |access-date=27 September 2015 |archive-date=30 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930192338/http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/arsenal-0-0-liverpool-fc-9921593 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 26 September 2015, he scored his debut goal for Liverpool in a 3–2 win against his former club Aston Villa at Anfield.<ref>{{cite news |title=Liverpool 3–2 Aston Villa |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/34299540 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=26 September 2015 |archive-date=27 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927182504/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/34299540 |url-status=live}}</ref> He appeared in the [[2016 UEFA Europa League final]] at the end of his first season with the club.<ref name=2016UEL>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36254631 |title=Liverpool 1–3 Sevilla |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=18 May 2016 |access-date=2 December 2017 |archive-date=5 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805010314/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36254631 |url-status=live}}</ref> Milner ended his first season with Liverpool scoring seven goals<ref name=sb1516/> and recording 15 assists in all competitions.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/what-201516-assists-told-everton-11355925 |title=What 2015/16 assists told us about Everton and Liverpool's season |newspaper=Liverpool Echo |date=20 May 2016 |access-date=15 May 2022 |archive-date=16 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516014254/https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/what-201516-assists-told-everton-11355925 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 19 March 2017, Milner scored in Liverpool's 1–1 draw against former club Manchester City. In doing so, he broke a Premier League record by a player for the most matches scored in without losing (47 matches).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/james-milner-sets-new-premier-league-record/1sdduitegekw01at8sbjt5l9p6 |title=James Milner sets new Premier League record |website=Goal |date=19 March 2017 |access-date=4 January 2018 |archive-date=4 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104132450/http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/james-milner-sets-new-premier-league-record/1sdduitegekw01at8sbjt5l9p6 |url-status=live}}</ref> In [[2017–18 UEFA Champions League|2017–18 season]], Milner assisted 9 goals in a single Champions League campaign, setting a new record previously held by [[Wayne Rooney]] in [[2013-2014 UEFA Champions League|2013-2014]] and [[Neymar]] in [[2016-2017 UEFA Champions League|2016-2017]].<ref name="Most assist in single season">{{Cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0244-0e98b57d4289-fd1586e1bcfd-1000--milner-beats-champions-league-assists-record/|title=Most Assists in a Single Champions League Campaign |date=12 October 2023 |website=Opta }}</ref>

In November 2018, Milner scored his 50th Premier League goal during a 1–1 draw at Arsenal.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46000545 |title=Arsenal 1–1 Liverpool |website=BBC Sport |date=3 November 2018 |access-date=8 December 2018 |archive-date=9 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209130257/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46000545 |url-status=live}}</ref> The following month, Milner became just the 13th player (and the 2nd youngest after former Aston Villa, Man City and England teammate Gareth Barry) in Premier League history to reach 500 appearances, during a 4–0 win at Bournemouth.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/milner-becomes-second-youngest-player-ever-to-reach-500/lu19tnecnzjm12pdikk7g1vxr |title=Bournemouth vs Liverpool: Milner becomes second youngest player ever to reach 500 Premier League appearances |website=Goal |date=8 December 2018 |access-date=8 December 2018 |archive-date=9 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209130531/https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/milner-becomes-second-youngest-player-ever-to-reach-500/lu19tnecnzjm12pdikk7g1vxr |url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 June 2019, Milner won his first Champions League title, coming on as a substitute in the final against Tottenham, as Liverpool won 2–0 in the [[2019 UEFA Champions League final|final]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48368443 |title=Liverpool beat Spurs to become champions of Europe for sixth time |website=BBC Sport |date=1 June 2019 |access-date=1 June 2019 |archive-date=1 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210601110124/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48368443 |url-status=live}}</ref>

====2019–2023: Premier League title and domestic success====
[[File:Liverpool FC gegen 1. FSV Mainz 05 (Testspiel 23. Juli 2021) 24.jpg|thumb|upright|Milner playing for [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] in 2021]]

On 14 August 2019, Milner won his first [[UEFA Super Cup]], starting the [[2019 UEFA Super Cup|2019 match]] against Chelsea, as Liverpool won after a [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalty shoot-out]] in Istanbul.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49332825 |title=Liverpool beat Chelsea on penalties to win Super Cup |website=BBC Sport |date=14 August 2019 |access-date=14 August 2019 |archive-date=20 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520222216/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49332825 |url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2019, Milner signed a new contract reportedly keeping him at the club until 2022, although Liverpool did not specify the contract length.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/378010-james-milner-signs-liverpool-fc-contract-extension |title=James Milner signs Liverpool FC contract extension |publisher=Liverpool F.C. |date=13 December 2019 |access-date=13 December 2019 |archive-date=13 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213220256/https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/378010-james-milner-signs-liverpool-fc-contract-extension |url-status=live}}</ref> Later that month, Milner came on as a substitute as Liverpool won the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time in the club's history, beating [[CR Flamengo|Flamengo]] 1–0 in the [[2019 FIFA Club World Cup final|final]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50869633 |title=Flamengo 0–1 Liverpool: Roberto Firmino's extra time strike delivers Club World Cup for Liverpool |website=BBC Sport |date=21 December 2019 |access-date=21 December 2019 |archive-date=5 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210405103252/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50869633 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 26 December 2019, Milner scored a penalty in a 4–0 Premier League victory over Leicester City at The King Power Stadium; it would be the last goal Milner ever scored for Liverpool.<ref>McNulty, Phil (26 December 2019). "[https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50847252 Leicester City 0-4 Liverpool: League leaders crush nearest rivals]". ''BBC Sport''.</ref> On 25 June 2020, Milner won his third Premier League title and his first for Liverpool.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53183857 |title=Liverpool win Premier League: Reds' 30-year wait for top-flight title ends |website=BBC Sport |date=25 June 2020 |access-date=27 June 2020 |archive-date=1 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501171751/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53183857 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Milner was not a regular starter during the [[2020–21 Liverpool F.C. season|2020–21 season]], amassing just 11 starts and making 26 appearances in all competitions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/2100/James-Milner/overview |title=James Milner profile, news & stats |publisher=Premier League |access-date=24 May 2021 |archive-date=11 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511142538/https://www.premierleague.com/players/2100/James-Milner/overview |url-status=live}}</ref> As a result, he registered the first goalless season of his career.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/players/james-milner/2899/ |title=J. Milner: Summary |website=Soccerway |publisher=Perform Group |access-date=16 April 2023 |archive-date=3 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403215936/https://uk.soccerway.com/players/james-milner/2899/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He still remained an important player as Liverpool overcame multiple difficulties to finish third, qualifying for the [[2021–22 UEFA Champions League|following season's Champions League]] on the final day of the season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.90min.com/posts/liverpool-2020-21-review-end-of-season-report-card-for-the-reds |title=Liverpool 2020/21 review: End of season report card for the Reds |first=Robbie |last=Copeland |website=90min.com |date=24 May 2021 |access-date=24 May 2021 |archive-date=24 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524182910/https://www.90min.com/posts/liverpool-2020-21-review-end-of-season-report-card-for-the-reds |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 16 February 2022, Milner came on as a substitute in a 2–0 Champions League win against [[Inter Milan]] to make his 800th senior appearance at club level.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/james-milner-reaches-massive-career-milestone |title=James Milner reaches massive career milestone |date=18 February 2022 |publisher=Liverpool F.C. |accessdate=21 February 2022 |archive-date=30 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130140435/https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/james-milner-reaches-massive-career-milestone |url-status=live }}</ref> On 27 February 2022, Milner scored Liverpool's first penalty of the shoot-out in the [[2022 EFL Cup final]] victory over Chelsea.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60450274 |title=Chelsea 0–0 Liverpool: Reds win Carabao Cup final on penalties |date=27 February 2022 |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |access-date=27 February 2022 |archive-date=28 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228112803/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60450274 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 14 May 2022, Milner once again scored Liverpool's first penalty of the shoot-out in the [[2022 FA Cup final]] victory over Chelsea.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2022/05/14/fa-cup-final-2022-live-chelsea-vs-liverpool-score-latest-updates/ |title=Liverpool keep quadruple bid alive after beating Chelsea on penalties in FA Cup final |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=15 May 2022 |access-date=16 May 2022 |archive-date=18 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618082600/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2022/05/14/fa-cup-final-2022-live-chelsea-vs-liverpool-score-latest-updates/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 6 June 2022, Milner signed a one-year extension with the club.<ref>{{cite news |title=Milner agrees new one-year deal with Liverpool |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61704658 |website=BBC Sport |accessdate=6 June 2022 |archive-date=30 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130150452/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61704658 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 5 October 2022, Milner made his 300th appearance for Liverpool in a 2–0 victory against [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]] in the [[2022–23 UEFA Champions League|2022–23 Champions League]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Goals from Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah earned Liverpool a 2–0 win over Rangers in the Champions League |url=https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/five-talking-points-liverpool-2-0-rangers |date=5 October 2022 |access-date=12 November 2022 |publisher=Liverpool F.C. |archive-date=21 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021194345/https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/five-talking-points-liverpool-2-0-rangers |url-status=live }}</ref> On 12 November, Milner came on as a substitute against [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]] to make his 600th Premier League appearance.<ref>{{cite news |title=Milner's 600th PL match puts him in elite company |url=http://www.premierleague.com/news/2903404 |date=12 November 2022 |access-date=12 November 2022 |publisher=Premier League |archive-date=15 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115001802/https://www.premierleague.com/news/2903404 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 4 April 2023, in a 0–0 draw against Chelsea, Milner marked his 610th Premier League appearance, which moved him up to third place in [[List of footballers with 500 or more Premier League appearances#List of players|all-time Premier League's appearance charts]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Milner moves up to third in all-time appearance charts |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/3136253 |date=4 April 2023 |access-date=5 April 2023 |publisher=Premier League |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404234057/https://www.premierleague.com/news/3136253 |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2023, Liverpool announced that Milner would leave the club at the end of the [[2022–23 Liverpool F.C. season|2022–23 season]] upon the expiry of his contract.<ref>{{cite web |title=Firmino, Keita, Milner and Oxlade-Chamberlain to leave LFC this summer |url=https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/firmino-keita-milner-and-oxlade-chamberlain-leave-lfc-summer |publisher=Liverpool F.C. |access-date=17 May 2023 |date=17 May 2023}}</ref>

===Brighton & Hove Albion===
On 14 June 2023, Premier League club [[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]] announced that Milner would join the club upon the expiry of his Liverpool contract at the end of the month. He agreed a one-year contract with the option to extend for another year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/news/3537154/james-milner-joins-albion-from-liverpool |title=James Milner joins Albion from Liverpool |first=Charlie |last=Hanson |publisher= Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. |date=14 June 2023 |access-date=17 June 2023}}</ref> He made his Brighton debut on 12 August, in the club's opening game of the [[2023–24 Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. season|2023–24 season]], starting and playing 79 minutes of the match in the 4–1 home win over Premier League newcomers [[Luton Town F.C.|Luton Town]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/news/3630184/subs-seal-impressive-win-for-albion|title=Subs seal impressive win for Albion|publisher=Brighton & Hove Albion|date=12 August 2023|access-date=12 August 2023}}</ref> On 16 September, he played in a 3–1 away win over Manchester United, to become the first player to win at [[Old Trafford]] with four different clubs, in addition to achieving a record of 11 victories in total including 6 away wins against the same opponent.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sportbible.com/football/football-news/man-united-james-milner-brighton-liverpool-man-city-319271-20230917 |title=Crazy stat proves James Milner is Man United's worst-ever opponent |publisher=SPORTbible |date=17 September 2023 }}</ref> On 22 January 2024, Milner played his 633rd Premier League match in a home goalless draw against [[Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.|Wolverhampton]], moving ahead of [[Ryan Giggs]] to be second in [[List of footballers with 500 or more Premier League appearances|all-time appearances]], only behind [[Gareth Barry]] with 653.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/3845997 |title=Milner goes joint-second in all-time appearance charts |publisher=Premier League |date=2 January 2024 }}</ref>

On 15 May 2024, Milner signed a new one-year deal with Brighton.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cgrwwjywjl6o |title=Veterans Milner and Welbeck sign new Brighton deals |website=BBC Sport |date=15 May 2024 |access-date=16 May 2024}}</ref> He featured in the [[2024–25 Premier League|2024–25 season]] opening match on 17 August, which ended in an 3–0 away win against [[Everton F.C.|Everton]], becoming the first player to play 23 Premier League seasons.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/james-milner-age-seasons-brighton-fabian-hurzeler-b2598280.html|title=James 'James Milner' Milner turns in record 23rd season as new-look Brighton's central cog |website=The Independent |date=19 August 2024 |access-date=21 August 2024}}</ref> Later that month, on 31 August, he suffered a hamstring injury in a 1–1 away draw against Arsenal, which sidelined him for the rest of the season.<ref>{{cite web |last=Naylor |first=Andy |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5736078/2024/08/31/james-milner-brighton-injuries/ |title=Brighton's James Milner to undergo scan on hamstring injury |work=The New York Times |date=31 August 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/matchdaylive/24952416.fabian-hurzelers-southampton-v-brighton-press-conference/?ref=rss |title=Fabian Hurzeler's Southampton v Brighton press conference |publisher=The Argus |date=21 February 2025 }}</ref> On 25 May 2025, he came on as a late substitute in a 4–1 away victory against Tottenham Hotspur on the final matchday of the season.<ref>{{cite web |last=Owen |first=Brian |url=https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/why-milner-sent-spurs-goodbye-192717619.html |title=Why Milner was sent on late at Spurs - and was it goodbye? |publisher=Yahoo Sports |date=25 May 2025 }}</ref>