Steven Davis retires as Rangers legend explains why 'time is right' to hang up boots

Steven Davis has called time on his playing career, Rangers have confirmed.

The 39-year-old suffered a serious knee injury at the end of 2022 but there has been no clarity on whether or not he'd continue playing on. He took interim charge of the Premiership club after Michael Beale's sacking and stepped away after Philippe Clement's arrivals to focus on his injury rehab.

He bows out of the professional game a legend at Rangers, having started at Aston Villa and also turning out for Fulham and Southampton. Over two permanent spells and two loan stints in Glasgow, Davis won 10 major trophies including four titles, and was part of both UEFA Cup and Europa League final squads. He is a Northern Ireland legend, representing his country 140 times to become the most capped British player of all time while also leading them out to the last 16 at Euro 2016.

Davis said: “It’s a strange sensation today, but ultimately it has been at the back of my mind given the nature of the injury and my age. 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. But it’s still a weird sensation. It’s all I’ve ever known. All I’ve ever wanted to do and I’m very fortunate to have had the career I’ve had.”

Signed by Walter Smith in January 2008, Davis immediately played his part in establishing Gers as a European force as he helped the Light Blues reach the final of the Uefa Cup. There was disappointment in Manchester as Zenit St Petersburg claimed the trophy but Davis would