Steven Davis: Northern Ireland's record appearance-maker announces retirement from football aged 39
Steven Davis made the last appearance of his professional career for Rangers in December 2022; Davis became interim manager in October 2023 for two games after Michael Beale was dismissed; 39-year-old retires as Northern Ireland's most-capped player
Thursday 25 January 2024 19:01, UK
Northern Ireland's record appearance-maker Steven Davis has announced his retirement from football at the age of 39.
Davis, who earned 140 caps for his country, has called time on an illustrious career spanning two decades — from making his senior debut for Aston Villa in September 2004 to suffering penalty shootout heartache in the Europa League final with Rangers in May 2022.
Davis, who also enjoyed spells at Fulham and Southampton, made his final club appearance for Rangers against Hibernian in December 2022 when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament, an injury which required surgery and a long rehabilitation process.
It was the last of over 250 appearances for Rangers, where he became interim manager in October 2023 for two games after Michael Beale was dismissed.
For Northern Ireland, Davis surpassed the record held by Pat Jennings should he make his 120th appearance in the Euro play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina in October 2020, having captained them to Euro 2016 — their first major tournament in nearly 30 years.
Ahead of that milestone,Sky Sports News spoke to a string of his former managers, team-mates, family and friends to report their sentiments, including Jennings, Pochettino, Steven Gerrard and Virgil van Dijk.
Pat Jennings: «I spoke to him when he equalled the record. I'm going back to him to say well done for beating my record. He's a lovely lad and a great little player for Northern Ireland. He deserves it. Reaching
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