JONNY EVANS feared his career was over due to lingering injuries before joining Manchester United for a second time, the Northern Irishman revealed on Monday.
The 35-year-old made a surprise return to Old Trafford in July after his contract with relegated Leicester expired.
Evans’ injury problems played a part in the Foxes losing their Premier League status as he was restricted to just 14 club appearances last season due to a persistent calf problem.
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“I went through a stage last year where I started thinking maybe it is coming to an end,” Evans said as he prepared to captain Northern Ireland in Tuesday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Slovenia.
“There’s no doubt I did have those thoughts. At the time I couldn’t get over injuries and every time I came back I was breaking down.”
However, it is injuries to others that has unexpectedly opened to the door to the United first team for Evans.
The centre-back has started two of the club’s last three Premier League games.
“Every time you complete a match you think, ‘There’s another one, I can do that’, and sometimes you just have to confirm that to yourself,” he added.
“I’ve been pleased I’ve been able to go through that process and I feel in a good place.”
Evans is unlikely though to ever grace a major tournament again with Northern Ireland’s chances of reaching Germany next year already over.
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Man United's Jonny Evans feared his career was over
JONNY EVANS feared his career was over due to lingering injuries before joining Manchester United for a second time, the Northern Irishman revealed on Monday.
The 35-year-old made a surprise return to Old Trafford in July after his contract with relegated Leicester expired.
Evans’ injury problems played a part in the Foxes losing their Premier League status as he was restricted to just 14 club appearances last season due to a persistent calf problem.
“I went through a stage last year where I started thinking maybe it is coming to an end,” Evans said as he prepared to captain Northern Ireland in Tuesday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Slovenia.
“There’s no doubt I did have those thoughts. At the time I couldn’t get over injuries and every time I came back I was breaking down.”
However, it is injuries to others that has unexpectedly opened to the door to the United first team for Evans.
The centre-back has started two of the club’s last three Premier League games.
“Every time you complete a match you think, ‘There’s another one, I can do that’, and sometimes you just have to confirm that to yourself,” he added.
“I’ve been pleased I’ve been able to go through that process and I feel in a good place.”
Evans is unlikely though to ever grace a major tournament again with Northern Ireland’s chances of reaching Germany next year already over.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Career Jonny Evans persistence Retirement Manchester United Northern Ireland