Evans Announces Retirement To Take Up Coaching Role

Corry Evans reflected connected an "incredible journey" arsenic he confirmed his status from master shot to return his first steps into coaching pinch Northern Ireland's Under-21s.

The 35-year-old won 72 caps for Northern Ireland, scoring twice, pinch his past quality coming successful a 2-0 friends triumph against Andorra successful Murcia successful June 2024.

He captained nan broadside connected his 50th headdress against Bosnia-Herzegovina successful 2018.

As portion of Michael O'Neill's Euro 2016 squad, he and older relative Jonny became nan first siblings to play for Northern Ireland astatine nan European Championships.

Evans has been without a nine since departing Oldham Athletic astatine nan extremity of past play and, having accepted an connection from Northern Ireland U21s head Tommy Wright to subordinate nan set-up arsenic a coach, he has decided nan clip is correct to extremity his playing career.

"After an unthinkable journey, nan clip has travel to bent up my boots," he said.

"Representing my state 72 times, and playing astatine Euro 2016, will ever beryllium 1 of my proudest achievements."

A midfielder who was arsenic adept astatine centre-half, Evans began playing pinch Greenisland Boys earlier pursuing his older relative to Manchester United arsenic a younker squad subordinate successful 2005, progressing connected to nan reserves earlier being called up to nan first squad against Hull City successful 2009.

After a indebtedness spell pinch Carlisle United, he was past loaned retired to Hull, pinch nan move made imperishable successful 2011.

He moved to Blackburn Rovers 2 years later, wherever he spent nan bulk of his career.

Evans would make 206 appearances for nan nine earlier departing for Sunderland astatine nan extremity of nan 2020-21 season, moving to Bradford City astatine nan commencement of nan 2024-25 run connected a short-term woody and finishing nan play astatine Wembley Stadium pinch Oldham successful their 3-2 National League play-off triumph against Southend which sealed promotion to League Two.

"From coming done nan academy astatine Manchester United, to winning promotions pinch Hull City and Blackburn Rovers, captaining Sunderland to promotion astatine Wembley, finishing pinch a spell astatine Bradford City and a Wembley triumph pinch Oldham - I've loved each azygous step," he added.

"A immense convey you to my family, teammates, coaches and nan fans who've supported maine passim nan highs and lows. It's been an unforgettable ride."