Steven Davis, a midfielder for the Rangers and Northern Ireland, announces his retirement.

Steven Davis, a midfielder for the Rangers and Northern Ireland, announces his retirement.

 Steven Davis, a favorite of the Rangers, acknowledged feeling a “strange sensation” upon his announcement of retirement.

The 39-year-old, who holds the record for most male international caps in the UK with 140 games for Northern Ireland, had two

different stints at Ibrox, where he was a key player in four championship victories and won three Scottish Cups and one Scottish League Cup.

Earlier in the season, as Michael Beale was recovering from a long-term knee injury he suffered in December 2022, Davis took over as

interim manager at Ibrox.

Before making his first move to Ibrox, the midfield player had stints with Aston Villa and Fulham. He also spent another seven years

in the Premier League with Southampton.

“It’s a strange sensation today, but ultimately given the nature of the injury and my age, it has been at the back of my mind,” Davis

stated on the official website of the Ibrox club.

“I did some testing four weeks ago and I realised I was still a little bit away. It feels like the time is right and I’m comfortable with it.

“It’s been an incredible journey to get to two European finals and win the trophies that I have, share those moments with the fans, be

within the dressing room with your family after the games.

“It’s such a special football club and it goes without saying that I’m going to miss it, but I’ve had an incredible time here.”

The midfielder initially joined Rangers from Fulham on a six-month loan deal under the guidance of the late Walter Smith in January

2008 and helped the Ibrox side reach the UEFA Cup final in the same season,

coming up short in the Manchester final where they lost 2-0 to Zenit St Petersburg.

Davis moved to newly promoted Southampton in 2012 and was appointed an MBE in the

2017 Birthday Honours for services to football.

He came back to Govan in January 2019, first on loan, then permanently in the summer, and he went on to help the Light Blues win their 55th league championship.

In2022, Davis assisted Rangers in winning the Scottish Cup for the third time in his career. That same season, the Light Blues

advanced to the Europa League final but were defeated by Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville on penalties.

When the team needed a temporary manager in October of last year, the Northern Irishman stepped up and managed two matches—a

league victory over St. Mirren and a Europa League loss to Aris Limassol—until Philippe Clement took over as head coach.

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