Rangers legend Steven Davis has announced his retirement from professional football, explaining it was the "right time" to hang up his boots.

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 after confirming his retirement, Davis 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.

READ MORE: Everything Clement said in Davis Rangers exit salute to squad

"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 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.