Robbie Keane, republic of Ireland captain has announced his retirement from international football after next Wednesday’s friendly against Oman. The 36-year-old LA Galaxy striker will call time on his 18-year Ireland career having made a record 145 senior appearances for his country and scored 67 goals — over three times more than his nearest rival.
Keane in a statement said: “Today, I am announcing my decision to retire from international football following the upcoming game with Oman on Aug. 31 in the Aviva Stadium.
“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.”
Tallaght-born Keane, who made two appearances at this summer’s Euro 2016, both as a substitute, announced his decision shortly after manager Martin O’Neill named him in a 28-man squad for the Oman game, which will be followed by an opening World Cup qualifier against Serbia on Sept. 5. 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 10 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.
He also stated that he was extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to play 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.”
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