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Nov 15, 2023 · Davis’ career was shattered by a cruciate knee ligament injury last December and his Rangers contract expired at the end of last season. He has missed his country's Euro 2024 qualifying...
- We’ll make call on ‘class act’ Steven Davis’ Rangers future ...
The Northern Ireland captain suffered a devastating anterior...
- We’ll make call on ‘class act’ Steven Davis’ Rangers future ...
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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.
Image: Davis is Northern Ireland's most capped player
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.
Image: In October 2020, Davis surpassed Pat Jennings, who made 119 appearances for Northern Ireland between 1964 and 1986
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 this number of caps is about being lucky and being consistent. I was lucky with injuries and it's the same with Steven. I wish him and the team all the very best."
Image: Ronald Koeman and Mauricio Pochettino both managed Davis at Southampton
Mauricio Pochettino: "The talent of him I compare to football people like Xavi and [Andres] Iniesta. You put him in the same level as this type of player because of this capacity to play football, be a playmaker, the intelligence to read the game, his capacity to run. I think to compare Christian Eriksen to this type of player too, they make your team better.
"I remember how the people love 'Davo'. We were in Catalonia doing pre-season, we were doing a session in the afternoon in the room with a coach doing different things. He needed to go to the toilet.
"The moment he arrived back we were all very serious, then all the players and staff started to run towards him and start to celebrate. It was an unbelievable experience because it showed how the players loved him.
"I think how humble he is, that it is the most you can appreciate in a professional. He is a simple guy, a family guy, a good friend and we feel very proud and lucky to have spent time with him. He is a big player and a big person."
Image: Davis captained his country with distinction
- 5 min
Jan 25, 2024 · Davis tore his anterior cruciate ligament in December 2022, an injury which required surgery and a long rehabilitation process. He had hoped to return for both club and country, but 13...
Jun 6, 2024 · The former Rangers midfielder was forced to hang up his boots in January after he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in December 2022. Davis assisted Michael O'Neill in preparation...
Jan 25, 2024 · However, the midfielder's career was shattered by a cruciate knee ligament injury in December 2022 and despite staying on at Ibrox to complete a rehabilitation programme, Davis has sadly decided to hang up the boots.
Apr 25, 2024 · Cruelly having a magnificent career cut short by a cruciate ligament injury, a hurdle most 21-year-old’s never mind 39-year-old’s struggle to clear, it’s been a period of reflection for Davo.
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Aug 28, 2023 · The Northern Ireland captain suffered a devastating anterior cruciate ligament injury last season and the 38-year-old’s recovery will determine whether the Cullybackey man can extend his...
