Jonny Evans considered retirement before reuniting with Man Utd

Jonny Evans considered retirement before reuniting with Man Utd

Jonny Evans admits he was close to hanging up his boots before Manchester United offered him an opportunity to stay in the game.

The 35-year-old centre-back, who is currently on international duty with Northern Ireland, endured a difficult time at Leicester City last season, due to recurring calf injuries.

Evans was released at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, as Leicester were relegated, and he didn't expect to play in the Premier League again.

However, the Red Devils handed the veteran defender a lifeline on transfer deadline day by offering him a short-term contract.

Evans has since made four appearances for United this season, including wins over Burnley and Brentford.

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

"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.

"I've trained a lot, getting all that behind me, completing matches," added Evans, who came through United's academy and played over 190 times for the club in his first stint between 2006-2015, winning three Premier League titles.

"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."

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