Football: Northern Ireland great Steven Davis retires
The Rangers midfielder won a record 140 caps for his country
Last updated 25th Jan 2024
Northern Ireland's record appearance holder Steven Davis has announced his retirement from football.
The 39-year-old Rangers midfielder, who has won 140 caps for his country, tore his anterior cruciate ligament in December 2022, an injury which required surgery and a long rehabilitation process.
It has proven to be an injury to much to come back from and the Ballymena has man has now hung up his boots.
In a statement on the Rangers website, David said: "It’s a strange sensation today, but ultimately it has been at the back of my mind given the nature of the injury and my age.
"“I did some testing four weeks ago and I realised I was still a little bit away. It feels like the time is right and I’m comfortable with it.
“It’s been an incredible journey to get to two European finals and win the trophies that I have, share those moments with the fans, be within the dressing room with your family after the games."
He added: “It has been an honour and a privilege to represent my country and the people of Northern Ireland. Every time I’ve stepped on to the pitch I’ve felt a huge amount of pride.
“There’ll be moments we shared together I’ll never forget and that was epitomised with qualification to Euro 2016 and what followed in France.
“The support and connection I’ve shared with the Green and White Army is something words alone can’t describe and I’ll always be grateful for. Thank you for the incredible support.”
David made his international debut in 2005
Coming through the St Andrew's Boys Club in Belfast before joining the Aston Villa youth set-up in 2002, Davis' senior club career spanned 19 years, during which time the diminutive midfielder amassed over 500 appearances.
Beginning at Villa Park, where he made just short of a century of appearances, Davis moved to Fulham, before a loan spell turned into a permanent deal with Rangers. He made 235 appearances for the Ibrox side across two spells, only punctuated by a seven-year stint with Southampton.
Following his injury 13 months ago, Davis took over as interim manager at Rangers in October last year following the departure of Michael Beale. In his two matches in charge, he oversaw a Europa League defeat away to Aris Limassol and a league win against Mirren before stepping aside upon the appointment of current boss Phillipe Clement.
He made his Northern Ireland debut against Canada in 2005 and captained his country for the first time against Uruguay the following year.
His final appearance in a green shirt came in September 2022 in Northern Ireland's 3-1 defeat away to Greece in the Nations League.
He was awarded the MBE for his services to football in the 2017 Queen's Birthday Honours list.