Wednesday 28 Aug 2024

Jonny Evans retires from international football

Northern Ireland captain Jonny Evans today announced his retirement from international football.

The 36-year-old defender, who earned 107 senior caps for Northern Ireland, said it had been a privilege to play for his country for almost two decades. 

He explained: “After much thought and consideration, and after 18 years, I feel like now is the right time to retire from international football. From my debut in 2006, when we defeated Spain, to my last game in June 2024, it has been a privilege.

“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.

“Your unwavering support and love has never gone unnoticed and I will miss those nights together.”

In a wide-ranging, heartfelt statement (read full statement here) he also thanked his brother Corry, his international team-mates and his family for their help and support along the way.

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill said: “Managing Jonny has been an absolute privilege. He is one of our greatest players as his 107 international caps clearly shows.

“Jonny always showed great leadership but also great humility and always looked out for the rest of the squad. He always loved playing for his country and we will miss his quality and presence in the games ahead.

“He has achieved so much in the game and our fans, like I do, will have many fond memories of him wearing the green and white shirt.”

Evans made his senior debut aged just 18 years and 246 days in Northern Ireland’s now famous 3-2 win over Spain at Windsor Park on 6 September 2006.

And his final appearance for Northern Ireland at senior level was in a friendly against Spain in Mallorca back in June.

Evans was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the King’s Birthday Honours List last year for services to football in Northern Ireland.

On 27 September 2022, in a UEFA Nations League game against Greece in Athens, he donned the captain’s armband as he became only the fourth player to make 100 appearances for Northern Ireland. The other centurions are Steven Davis, Pat Jennings and Aaron Hughes.

Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood said: “Jonny brought joy to the hearts of all Northern Ireland supporters as the team qualified for the Euros in 2016 and he played in all four games at the finals.

“As the fourth player to reach 100 international caps, he affirms his right to be considered a Northern Ireland legend.

“For my part, I was impressed at his influence both on the pitch and off the pitch as a model to which younger internationals should aspire. There is now one less king of Lyon in an ever decreasing number still pulling on the green jersey but I’m sure all fans will join me in thanking Jonny for his incredible contribution.”

Born in Belfast and raised in Newtownabbey, the former Belfast High School pupil began his distinguished playing career in the youth set-up at Manchester United in 2004.

During almost a decade as part of United’s first team he won the UEFA Champions League, three Premier League titles, the League Cup twice and the FIFA World Club Cup.

While on United’s books first time around he had loan spells with Sunderland, where he picked up an EFL Championship winner’s medal, and with Royal Antwerp in Belgium.

The defender signed for West Bromwich Albion in August 2015 before switching to Leicester City three years later. He won the FA Cup with the Foxes in 2021.

He returned to Manchester United for a second spell at the start of last season and won the FA Cup with United back in May, completing the milestone of winning every major trophy with the club. Last month he signed another one-year deal with the Red Devils.

In 2023 he captained his country during the UEFA Euro 2024 qualification campaign. He first wore the armband in a friendly against Scotland back in March 2015. And he last donned it, for the 13^th time, against Spain in June.

Remarkably he started 106 of the 107 games he played for his country at senior level. The only time he came off the bench was in a friendly against Qatar in May 2015.

Evans, who moved to England in his early teens to be part of the Manchester United Academy, was also capped at U21 level for Northern Ireland, the last of his three appearances coming just five days before he made his debut for the senior team against Spain in Belfast.

And before that he clocked up eight appearances for the Northern Ireland Under-17 team.