Revealed: Man Utd star considered RETIRING this summer

Cameron Smith

17 Oct 2023 15:34 BST
3 min read

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has admitted he considered retiring from football before rejoining the club from Leicester City this summer.

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Evans, 34, left the Red Devils back in 2015, but upon Leicester’s relegation to the Championship and the expiration of his contract at the King Power Stadium, he signed for Man Utd on a free transfer.

The Northern Ireland international has made four appearances for Erik ten Hag’s side this season and even grabbed a wonderful assist for Bruno Fernandes’ goal against Burnley on his first start back at the club.

He also started the 2-1 win over Brentford alongside Harry Maguire, with Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof all unavailable for selection.

Evans is currently on international duty with Northern Ireland and played 63 minutes in their 3-0 win against San Marino on Saturday.

Ahead of their European Championship qualifier against Slovenia, Evans spoke to the media and admitted he was close to retiring before being offered the chance to rejoin Man Utd.

© ProShots - Jonny Evans, Northern Ireland

What did Evans say?

“I think I went through a stage last year where you start thinking, 'maybe this is it coming to an end,'" Evans told the media.

“I couldn't get over the injuries, and every time I came back I was breaking down. I had a lot of people say, 'there's no way you're close to finishing,' but you have to prove that to yourself and I feel I've been able to do that.

Evans, who won three Premier League titles during his first stint at Old Trafford, continued: “I've trained a lot, getting all that behind me, completing matches.

“Every time you complete a match you think: 'there's another one down'. Sometimes you're having to confirm that to yourself and I've been pleased I've been able to go through that process. I feel I'm in a good place.”