A former Manchester United footballer became a Catholic priest after quitting the sport.
Northern Ireland midfielder Philip Mulryne, who earned 27 caps for his country in a career that included spells with Norwich and Cardiff City, was ordained as a deacon in the Catholic Church back in 2017.
Mulryne, who began his career at Old Trafford after progressing through the club’s academy, made just one Premier League appearance for the club before moving to Norwich in 1999 for £500,000.
After becoming a fan favourite at Carrow Road, the Northern Irishman made over 150 league appearances for the Norfolk outfit before leaving for Cardiff City in 2005.
He featured for the Welsh side before spells at Leyton Orient and King’s Lynn Town. He eventually retired in 2008.
While many ex-players go into coaching or become television pundits, Mulryne opted for a more spiritual existence.
At 31, he began formation for the Catholic priesthood after he started to fall out of love with football.
