Man United star Jonny Evans receives MBE from Prince William at Buckingham Palace in recognition of his services to football after winning 106 caps for Northern Ireland
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Manchester United star Jonny Evans received his MBE from Prince William at Buckingham Palace on Monday in recognition of his services to football.
The Red Devils’ summer signing returned to Old Trafford after an eight-year absence and has perhaps performed more than expected this season in the absence of Lisandro Martinez.
However, a recent injury has ended his run of games, and he is now on the sidelines with a hamstring injury suffered in early November.
Although he has made three moves in eight years during his club career, he has been an ever-present for Northern Ireland, winning an impressive 106 caps for the Green and White Army.
Now, at the age of 35, his services to football have been formally recognized by the crown, and the centre-back spoke of his surprise at receiving the honour.
Jonny Evans was awarded an MBE on Monday for his services to football in Northern Ireland
The Manchester United defender has played 106 times for his country and scored six goals
“When I got the letter and there was a royal seal on the back, I was a bit shocked, but it was also great,” said the Man United defender.
‘I felt very proud, especially when I saw that it was recognition of my contribution to football in Northern Ireland.
‘It made it clear that it has been so good to play for my country more than 100 times and to play for Northern Ireland for so long. I represented everyone in the country and had a lot of good times along the way.”
Evans made his Northern Ireland debut in September 2006 in a shock 3-2 win over Spain in what is undoubtedly one of the country’s most memorable results.
Since then he has managed to score six senior goals, representing the side at the 2016 European Championship in France.
Evans was joined by fellow football stars Ian Wright, who received an OBE from Prince William, and Rangers hero John Greig.
Former England rugby captain Sarah Hunter and referee Amy Fearn also collected MBEs from Buckingham Palace at the Birthday Honors ceremony.
The 35-year-old central defender is on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury
Arsenal legend Ian Wright picked up an OBE at the Birthday Honors ceremony on Monday
Former England rugby captain Sarah Hunter was also honoured, receiving an MBE on Monday
