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Man Utd's Evans retires from Northern Ireland duty

football28 August 2024 20:00| © AFP
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Jonny Evans © Getty Images

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans announced his retirement from international football on Wednesday as he brought down the curtain on a career that saw him win 107 caps for Northern Ireland.

The 36-year-old made his debut in Northern Ireland's memorable 3-2 win over Spain in September 2006 and was a member of the side that played at the Euro 2016 finals.

His last international appearance was also against Spain, albeit in a 5-1 defeat in Mallorca in June.

Evans captained his country on 15 occasions. He also started in 106 of the 107 internationals in which he played and scored six goals.

Evans announced his international retirement a day before Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill is due to name his squad for next week's Nations League fixtures against Luxembourg and Bulgaria.

"From my debut in 2006 when we defeated Spain to my last game in June 2024, it has been a privilege," said Evans in a statement.

"Putting on the green shirt 107 times and representing the people of Northern Ireland has been my biggest honour. You, the fans, are simply the greatest in the world. I have been so proud to represent each and every one of you on the pitch."

Evans signed a one-year extension to remain at Manchester United in July and said at the time he would have probably retired completely had there not been an offer from his boyhood club.

Evans rose through the ranks at Old Trafford, winning the Champions League, three Premier League titles and two English League Cups before leaving in 2015 for spells with West Brom and Leicester, before returning to United in 2023 and lifting the FA Cup last season.

O'Neill paid tribute to outgoing Northern Ireland captain Evans by saying: "Managing Jonny has been an absolute privilege. He is one of our greatest players as his 107 international caps clearly shows."

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