Steven Davis: Northern Ireland and Rangers midfielder announces his retirement

Northern Ireland and Rangers midfielder Steven Davis has announced his retirement from playing after being sidelined for more than a year due to a knee injury.

The 39-year-old holds the UK men's caps record with 140 appearances for Northern Ireland.

Davis scored 13 goals after making his debut for Northern Ireland in 2005.

He said: “It's a strange feeling, but it was ultimately on my mind given the nature of the injury and my age.”

Davis – a childhood Rangers fan – has not played since suffering an ACL injury in December 2022.

He told the Rangers website: “I had some tests four weeks ago and realized I was still a bit off. It seems like the time is right and I'm comfortable with that.”

“It's been an amazing journey to get to two European finals and win the trophies I have, sharing those moments with the fans, and being in the dressing room with your family after the games.

“It's a special football club and it goes without saying that I will miss it, but I had a great time here.”

Davies was in his second spell with Rangers having also played for Aston Villa, Fulham and Southampton. He also had a short spell as caretaker manager of the Scottish club following the sacking of Michael Bale in October.

Laurie Sanchez was the manager when the then Aston Villa player made his Northern Ireland debut in a shock 1-0 friendly defeat to Canada at Windsor Park.

Seven months later, Davies was instrumental in Northern Ireland's historic win over England in a World Cup qualifier in Belfast, providing the calculated pass for David Healy's goal in a 1-0 win.

Davies was also in Sanchez's midfield during the 3-2 win over Spain in 2006 and took over the captaincy in 2012.

He scored two goals in a 3-0 win over Greece to secure qualification for the UEFA Euro 2016 finals and led the team to the round of 16 in France, where they lost 1-0 to Wales.

He broke former England goalkeeper Shilton's record of 125 UK caps in Northern Ireland's 0-0 World Cup qualifier at home to Bulgaria in March 2021.

Davis captained the team 82 times and was awarded an MBE in 2017 for services to football.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to represent my country and the people of Northern Ireland,” he said on Thursday. “Every time I stepped onto the pitch I felt an enormous amount of pride.”

“There will be moments we shared together that I will never forget, namely qualifying for the 2016 European Championships and the aftermath in France.

“The support and connection you have shared with the Green and White Army is something that words alone cannot describe and I will always be grateful for. Thank you for the amazing support.”

Although he did not play for Northern Ireland during last year's 2024 qualifying campaign due to injury, he is still considered the team's captain by manager Michael O'Neill.

He said: “While the news of Stephen’s retirement is a sad day, especially for football, and especially in Northern Ireland, it is also a good time for us to honor an outstanding player who has had an outstanding career.

“I have known and worked with him for many years and he is a role model and a wonderful person.”

“His leadership qualities on and off the field have always been evident during successful times as well as difficult periods.

He added: “His record of 140 caps, 82 of which as captain, has set the bar high for current and future generations of Northern Ireland players, and he is truly one of the greatest players we have ever produced.”

Davies made 742 appearances and scored 51 goals for top-flight clubs in England and Scotland over the course of his 20-year career.

The County Antrim player made his debut for Villa in 2004 before moving to Fulham three years later.

A season at Craven Cottage was followed by four years at Rangers before playing for Southampton from 2012 to 2019.

Davies returned to Ibrox and helped the club win their first Scottish Premiership title in 10 years and played in the Europa League final against Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022.