Northern Ireland skipper Steven Davis has paid tribute to retiring Aaron Hughes.
Hughes announced his decision to call time on his glittering career after last night's Euro 2020 win over Belarus.
The 39-year-old was part of Michael O'Neill's squad for the double-header against Estonia and Belarus but wasn't used.
It brings the curtain down on 21 years of service for Northern Ireland, two decades that saw the defender earn 112 caps.
Speaking to his teammates after Tuesday night's game, Hughes struggled to contain his emotions as he wished them well for the remainder of the campaign.
“Aaron spoke to us in the dressing room after the game and he was a little bit emotional, which is understandable," Davis said.
“He has been a huge player for us over many years, such a consistent performer, and he will be remembered as a proper legend.
“He was captain when I first came into the squad and when you played with him you always knew what you were going to get.
“To show the desire he did to keep playing for as long as he has always set such a positive example to the other players.
“He still looks as if he could play on for a couple more years, but if he has made a decision to retire, we’ve got to respect that.”
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