Northern Ireland record caps holder Steven Davis admitted a "strange sensation" after announcing his retirement from football following a year on the sidelines through injury.
The 39-year-old scored 13 goals in 140 times appearances for the North – the UK male international caps record – and was first named captain at just 21 by Lawrie Sanchez, going on to wear the armband 82 times.
His double against Greece in October 2015 ensured Northern Ireland's first qualification for a European Championships the following year, where they reached the last 16.
The Ballymena man had earned his 100th cap by 2017 and eclipsed Pat Jennings as the all-time record holder in October 2020.
"It has been an honour and a privilege to represent my country and the people of Northern Ireland - every time I've stepped on to the pitch I've felt a huge amount of pride," Davis said.
"There'll be moments we shared together I'll never forget and that was epitomised with qualification to Euro 2016 and what followed in France.
"The support and connection I've shared with the Green and White Army is something words alone can't describe and I'll always be grateful for. Thank you for the incredible support."
Manager Michael O'Neill said: "Whilst the news of Steven's retirement is a sad day, particularly for football, particularly in Northern Ireland, it is also a time for us to recognise an outstanding player who has had an outstanding career.
"I have known and worked with him for many years and he is a model professional and a wonderful person. His leadership qualities both on and off the pitch have always been evident through both the successful times and also the difficult periods.
"His record of 140 caps, 82 as captain, has set the bar high for current and future generations of Northern Ireland players and he is truly one of the greatest we have ever produced."
Davis enjoyed two separate spells at Rangers, playing a central role in four title triumphs, as well as lifting both the Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup on three occasions.
He was caretaker manager at Ibrox earlier this season following the departure of Michael Beale as he rehabilitated from a long-term knee injury sustained in December 2022, the last time he lined out for the club.
The midfielder had spells at Aston Villa and Fulham prior to his initial move to the Glasgow side, as well as a further seven-year spell in the Premier League with Southampton.
Davis told Rangers' official website: "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.
"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."
The midfielder initially joined Rangers from Fulham on a six-month loan deal under the guidance of the late Walter Smith in January 2008 and helped the Ibrox side reach the UEFA Cup final in the same season, coming up short in the Manchester final where they lost 2-0 to Zenit St Petersburg.
Davis moved to newly promoted Southampton in 2012 and was appointed an MBE in the 2017 Birthday Honours for services to football.
He returned to Govan in January 2019, initially on loan, before making the move permanent in the summer and then subsequently helped the Light Blues capture their 55th league title.
Davis also helped Rangers lift the Scottish Cup in 2022 – the third of his career – in the same campaign that the Light Blues reached the Europa League final, losing to Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties in Seville.
The Northern Irishman stepped up when the club required a caretaker manager last October, taking control for two games, a Europa League defeat by Aris Limassol and a league win against St Mirren, before Philippe Clement arrived as new boss.
