Rangers legend Steven Davis has opened up on his decision to retire from professional football.

The midfielder, who played for the Ibrox club across two different spells, has struggled with injury problems in recent times after suffering knee ligament damage in December 2022.

He is Northern Ireland's most capped player, playing for his country 140 times, and was inducted into the Rangers hall of fame in February last year along with Allan McGregor and James Tavernier.

During his time at Ibrox he won four league titles, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups.

Speaking to Rangers TV, he said: "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.

"But it’s still a weird sensation. It’s all I’ve ever known. All I’ve ever wanted to do and I’m very fortunate to have had the career I’ve had.

"There’s a lot of different emotions and thoughts going through your head about different experiences."

"My mind is almost a bit foggy because of it. I remember coming here in 2008 at the end of the transfer window and we then had that incredible run in Europe that took us to Manchester.

“It’s just been an incredible experience but as soon as I came to the club it felt like home. We had a great bunch of players then under Walter’s management. 

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“Thankfully in that first spell, we went on to have a lot of success. It was such a special time. It’s been incredible from the very first moment I walked in through the door."

The 39-year-old featured for the Light Blues in two European finals, playing against Zenit Saint Petersburg in the 2008 UEFA Cup final and Eintracht Frankfurt in the 2022 Europa League final.

Davis was also the caretaker boss at Ibrox for a brief period in October last year following the sacking of Michael Beale.

And he opened up on his relationship with the fans. “I feel like the fans have really got behind me," he continued.

"I never took for granted walking out at Ibrox because it’s such a special stadium.

"Obviously growing up a Rangers fan, it was always something I wanted to do and having done it so many times, I’m very grateful.

"I’d have liked to have won more. I felt we should have, especially in the second spell. But it’s been an incredible journey to get to two European finals and win the trophies I have.

"It’s such a special football club and it goes without saying that I’m going to miss it."

Davis also explained that he hopes to return Ibrox in the future and detailed his plans in the short-term.

He added:  "It’s such a special place for me and my family with so many special memories. I’m going to miss it but I’ll be back watching the boys, supporting them and hopefully they can have more success after getting that first trophy.

“I haven’t decided what I’m going to do moving forward. It was an unbelievable experience to get the interim managers job and then work alongside Philippe when he came in.

“At that point I wanted to have a real crack at my rehab but unfortunately that hasn’t unfolded the way I’d have liked.

"My immediate future right now is about spending some time with my family and then get started with my coaching badges before looking to go down that path."