Ex-Man U player retires from active football

Jonny Evans, a defender for Manchester United, concluded his career as an international player on Wednesday by announcing his retirement. Evans earned 107 caps for his native Northern Ireland. The 36-year-old was a member of the team that competed in the Euro 2016 finals and made his debut in September 2006 during Northern Ireland’s historic 3-2 victory over Spain. In June, he made his final appearance for his country, which was a 5-1 loss in Mallorca against Spain.

Evans led his nation in captaincy fifteen times. In 106 of the 107 international matches he participated in, he started and netted six goals. A day before Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill is scheduled to select his team for the Nations League matches against Luxembourg and Bulgaria next week, Evans declared his retirement from international competition. “It has been a privilege, from my debut in 2006 when we defeated Spain to my last game in June 2024,” Evans stated in a statement.

“My greatest honor has been wearing the green shirt 107 times and representing the people of Northern Ireland.” There is no one better in the world than you, the fans. Representing each and every one of you on the field has made me really proud. In July, Evans agreed to a one-year contract extension with Manchester United and stated that, had an offer not come from his childhood club, he would have likely retired from professional football.

After moving on to play for West Brom and Leicester in 2015, Evans ascended through the ranks at Old Trafford and won the FA Cup the previous season. He also won the Champions League, three Premier League crowns, and two English League Cups. O’Neill said, “Managing Jonny has been an absolute privilege,” in honor of departing Northern Ireland captain Evans. His 107 caps for the national team amply demonstrate his status as one of our best players.