STEVEN DAVIS says he will forever cherish the memories of his glittering Rangers career after announcing his retirement from professional football.
The Northern Irishman has formally called time on his playing days after a 20-year career in the game, amassing four league titles, three Scottish Cups, and three League Cups in two separate spells at Ibrox.
The midfielder will also go down as one of Northern Ireland’s greatest exports, representing his country with distinction and boasting the honour of being the most capped British men’s player in the history of the game.
Speaking to RangersTV, the 39-year-old reflected on a trophy-laden playing career: “It’s been incredible since the very first moment that I walked in the door.
“The fans have gotten behind in me; I’ve been here for over nine years and I’ve always felt that support even in the bad moments.
“The fans push us on as players, and they have done so in my time here at the club, and it’s very much the two married together when you do have that success.
“I don’t feel that I ever took for granted walking down that tunnel at Ibrox because it's such a special stadium.
“It’s something that I always wanted to do growing up as a Rangers fan as well; I’ve always felt thankful to do it the number of times that I have.
“I would have liked to have won more – and I felt we should have won more especially in the second spell – but that’s football.
“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.
“It’s such a special football club and it goes without saying that I’m going to miss it, but I’ve had an incredible time here.”
Davis first made the move to Ibrox under the guidance of the late Walter Smith on a six-month loan deal in January 2008, before making the move permanent in the summer following success in the Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup, as well as reaching the UEFA Cup final, in the same campaign.
He would go on to play a pivotal role in the three-in-a-row success – including netting in the 2011 Scottish League Cup final – before pitting his wits in the Premier League with a move to Southampton in 2012.
Returning to the club for a second time in January 2019, the midfielder was instrumental in the club’s 55th league title success, helping the side reach a second European final just days before Scottish Cup glory in May 2022.
He added: “There have been too many special moments: the journeys to the European finals; winning the league at different times; the last matches of the season to decide the league in the way that we did; coming back and getting 55 together when there was a lot of pressure on the club.
“There are far too many to pick out one, but I feel very fortunate to have played for my boyhood club.
“It’s about the people around the building that you forge relationships with, and I’m certainly going to miss everyone.
“It’s such a special place for myself and my family because I’ve spent so much time and have so many special memories here.
“I’m going to miss it. I’ll be back watching the boys, supporting them, and wishing them every success for the future.
“Although I’m leaving, I’m sure I’ll never be too far away.”