FOOTBALL: Robbie Keane has announced his retirement from international football after a glorious career for the Republic of Ireland.
Keane, who is currently plying his trade in MLS with LA Galaxy, has now decided to retire from the international scene.
The Crumlin native scored an incredible 67 goals in 145 appearances for his country, and is regarded as one of the greatest ever international goal-scorers in world football .
Keabe played in three major tournaments for the Republic of Ireland. (World Cup 2002, EURO 2012, and EURO 2016)
He was handed his debut by Mick McCarthy in 1998 as a fresh faced 17-year old in a clash against the Czech Republic.
Ireland’s clash with Oman on Wednesday will be his farewell appearance for his country.
He issued this statement following the announcement, “It has been a wonderful journey for me to have played with the Irish national team for over eighteen years since I made my senior international debut back in 1998. I have enjoyed it all.
“It has also been a great honour, for both me and my family, to have been given the opportunity to captain my country for over ten years.
“As a young boy growing up in Dublin playing football on the street I could never have imagined the path my life would take – it has exceeded my wildest expectations.
“I have been extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to play for and captain my country – it was my ultimate goal all those years ago and it has been, by far, my greatest achievement.
“I would never have believed all those years ago that I would get the opportunity to play for my country 145 times and to score 67 goals and through it all, I have never stopped chasing the next one!
“I have been on the most incredible journey with the Irish team and fans over the last 18 years and words cannot express how proud I am to be Irish.
“Each and every time I put on the green jersey it is such an honour.
“I have grown up playing for Ireland & look back at the 17 year old kid making his international debut, taken under the wing of Mick McCarthy & the FAI, and think of the person I am today and realise how playing for Ireland has been such a huge influence in my life.
“My teammates over the years, the backroom staff, managers, FAI and the fans became my second family. I always looked forward to meeting with the team – it became a home away from home no matter what part of the world I was living in.
“I have so many fantastic memories of days with the Irish team and have made so many friends both on and off the pitch over this time.
“I have been very fortunate to play at major tournaments for Ireland over the years and I will cherish all of those memories but one in particular stands out – the 2002 World Cup and scoring the late goal in Ibaraki, Japan against Oliver Kahn. The atmosphere, the adrenaline & the buzz from the fans that night is something I will always remember.
“I would like to thank all those who have supported me throughout my international career and who helped to make it all possible.
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