James Milner

James Milner is a midfielder of Manchester City. He was born on 4 January 1986 in Wortley, England.

His youth career started in the Leeds academy that was the best in the region where Milner lived. Till 2002 James was a trainee and the youth team player.

In 2002 Milner began his professional career. He signed a contract with Leeds United and became a regular. During the first season, James made a number of appearances, but he was not a key player.

In 2003 the midfielder was sent on loan to Swindon Town, where he played only six matches. After the end of the loan spell, Milner continued to perform in his parent Leeds, making 48 appearances and scoring five goals.

In 2004 the player attracted the attention of Newcastle United that invited the young midfielder to a demonstration game. The club management really liked James and decided to sign a contract with him. Newcastle United signed a five year contract with the footballer and paid £3.6 million for his transfer. James didn’t really want to leave the club where he grew as a professional. In 2005 after the first season in the new team, he was sent on loan to Aston Villa. The midfielder was doing great in the temporary club, making 27 appearances and netting a goal during the 2005/2006 season.

In 2006 James returned to Newcastle United and continued his performance. In the new season, the club manager looked at the midfielder more attentively and decided to send him to the first team for the following match. James came up to his expectations and started to show confident display in midfield. That way Milner became the heart of the team till the end of his Newcastle United career. He played 94 matches and scored six goals during three years.

In 2008 Aston Villa bought James for £12 million and signed a four-year contract with him. Martin O’Neill, the club manager, turned James into a backbone player seeing a great talent in the player. James soon adapted to the new club, making 73 appearances and contributing 11 goals by 2010.

In 2010 the English side Manchester City signed the player for £24 million, including an exchange of Stephen Ireland, valued at £8 million. At the moment James is Manchester City regular, with 58 appearances for the club and three goals scored.

From 2001 till 2009 James played at almost all international levels, beginning from U-16 and ending with U-21. He made 70 appearances and scored 26 goals. From 2009 Milner is a senior national team regular, who took part in 30 matches.