Northern Ireland midfielder Corry Evans has announced his retirement from professional football.
The former Hull City, Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland midfielder, who earned 72 caps for his country, said it was the right time to hang up his boots.
The 35-year-old had hoped to continue playing after departing Oldham Athletic at the end of last season, however he has now decided to concentrate on coaching instead.
It was announced earlier this week that Evans has joined the Northern Ireland Under-21s set-up as a coach, working alongside U21s boss Tommy Wright.
Evans has marked his retirement by issuing a letter to Northern Ireland fans.
It reads: “To the GAWA,
“From my first cap to my last, you’ve been there every step of the way. Playing for Northern Ireland has been the greatest honour of my career.
“The atmosphere you create, the passion you show and the pride you carry for our wee country makes pulling on the green shirt so special. From Windsor Park to stadiums across the world, you’ve always made us feel at home.
“I’m proud to be starting a new chapter, starting firstly as a coach with the U21s. I’m looking forward to passing on my experience and helping the next generation of players continue their own journey.
“Thank you for the memories, the songs and the support. It’s been an absolute privilege.”
Northern Ireland senior men’s team manager Michael O’Neill said: “Corry was a player I always put great faith in. He was a key member of my squad for many years and was both talented and dependable.
“He was always a positive presence in any Northern Ireland squad, particularly for some of our younger players. I have no doubt he will bring those same qualities to his next role in football.”
The midfielder made his senior debut for Northern Ireland in 2009 in a friendly against Italy. His final appearance came in a friendly against Andorra in Murcia in June 2024.
Evans captained his country on one occasion – when he earned his 50th cap against Bosnia and Herzegovina in a UEFA Nations League game in October 2018.
And in 2016 he and older brother Jonny became the first siblings to play for Northern Ireland at the European Championships. He played against Ukraine, Germany and Wales at Euro 2016 in France.
Greenisland Boys was Evans’ first club before he moved to Manchester United as a youth team player in 2005. While at United he had loan spells with Carlisle United and Hull City.
He moved to Hull on a permanent deal in 2011 prior to switching to Blackburn Rovers two years later.
Evans subsequently made 206 appearances for Blackburn before moving to Sunderland at the end of the 2020-21 season.
Next stop was Bradford City at the start of the 2024-25 campaign on a short-term deal, however he then finished last season with Oldham at Wembley Stadium as they sealed promotion to League Two with a 3-2 National League play-off win against Southend.
