Former Manchester United defender Jonny Evans awarded MBE in King's Birthday Honours

Former Manchester United star Jonny Evans has been given an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list.

The 35-year-old defender, who had won 100 caps for Northern Ireland heading into this month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers, is one of a number of people from the world of football to be recognised.

Evans played nearly 200 times for United, winning the Champions League, three Premier Leagues, two League Cups, an FA Cup and the Club World Cup with the Reds.

He said: “When I got the letter through the door and it had the royal seal on the back I was a bit shocked, but it was also amazing. It made me feel very proud, especially when I saw that it was in recognition of my contribution to association football in Northern Ireland.

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“It brought it home that playing more than 100 times for my country, and playing for so long for Northern Ireland, has been so good. I represented everyone in the country and had many good times along the way.”

Evans is already excited by the prospect of the investiture ceremony, on a date to be confirmed.

“It will be a really special day and one that we will really enjoy,” he added.

Among the other football figures named in the honours list are former Rangers captain John Greig who becomes a CBE, ex-Arsenal, Crystal Palace and England forward Ian Wright who is made an OBE, and former Chelsea and England forward Eniola Aluko who becomes an MBE.

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