Priest preaches at cathedral then hangs up robes to play football for Norwich City

The ex-Manchester United and Norwich City midfielder hadn’t played professionally since he stepped down in 2009 to train as a priest in Ireland.

However, Fr Philip put his football boots on once again and returned to the pitch at Carrow Road to play for the Canaries’ Legends team against Inter Forever (an Inter Milan charity team) in a charity game.

Speaking to the Norfolk Eastern Daily Press, Fr Philip said: “The response I got at Carrow Road was quite overwhelming. Fans, players and staff at the club were hugely supportive of the path I have taken. It was a wonderful opportunity to share with them the journey that led me to embrace the religious life.

“It felt like I had never left, and the atmosphere in the dressing room before the game was great. Often charity games can resemble a training ground stroll in the park, but the supporters ensured by their singing that this match was competitive and the players responded to them.”

Fr Philip Mulryne with family.

While Fr Philip hadn’t played football professionally for nearly two decades, that didn’t stop him for doubting he had the ability to play well.

Close Norwich friend, Clare Richards, was at the cathedral to hear Fr Philip before the game.

“Phil said to me that he was a bit worried about the match in the afternoon as, although he does a lot of…