Manchester United’s Jonny Evans retires from Northern Ireland duty

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.

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.”