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Steven Davis MBE (born 1 January 1985) is a Northern Irish former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He made his full international debut in 2005 and made 140 appearances at senior level, scoring 13 goals, to become the most capped Northern Ireland player, also a record for any man from the British home nations.
Jan 26, 2024 · Rangers legend Steven Davis announces his retirement at 39 after a stellar career in Glasgow and Northern Ireland. Relive his best goals and achievements for the Ibrox club, including his first goal, his first Old Firm winner and his League Cup final strike.
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Jan 25, 2024 · Steven Davis was the fourth man to captain Northern Ireland at a major tournament at Euro 2016. While something of a surprise decision amongst supporters, Michael O'Neill's...
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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
Northern Ireland's record appearance-maker and former Rangers captain announces his decision to end his career after two decades. Davis, who earned 140 caps for his country and played for Aston Villa, Fulham and Southampton, receives tributes from former managers, team-mates and friends.
- 5 min
Jun 1, 2022 · The Northern Ireland captain, who is the most capped British footballer, will stay at Ibrox for another year and work on his coaching skills. He won the Scottish Cup and the league title last season and wants more silverware with the club.
- 5 min
- Alison Conroy
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May 31, 2022 · Steven Davis, 37, signs a one-year deal with Rangers after helping them win the Scottish Cup and reach the Europa League final. He also talks about his international career, his injury struggles and his fond memories of beating Greece in 2015.
STEVEN DAVIS MBE, Rangers’ Hall of Fame midfielder, has today announced his retirement from professional football. The Northern Irishman, 39, enjoyed two separate spells at Ibrox, playing a central role in four title triumphs, as well as lifting both the Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup on three occasions.
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