Irish footballer Robbie Keane has announced his retirement from International football and said that next week’s clash against Oman is going to be the last time he wearing the ‘Green Army’ outfits. An International career spanning 18-years, Keane made a record 145 appearances for his national side and scored 67 goals.
Having played for big clubs such as Inter Milan, Tottenham Hotspur, and Liverpool, he is arguably the greatest player the European nation has ever produced. The Irish started his professional career at the age of 17 when he played for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
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As per the reports of The Guardian, the Ireland captain admitted that his stint with the national team has been a ‘wonderful journey’. He said, “Today, I am announcing my decision to retire from international football following the upcoming game with Oman on 31 August in the Aviva Stadium. It has been a wonderful journey for me to have played with the Irish national team for over 19 years since I made my senior international debut back in 1998. I have enjoyed it all.”
The Republic of Ireland is on a high after their impressive performance at the Euro 2016 where they reached the round of 16 and also scripted a memorable victory against the 4-time World Cup Champions Italy. Following the tie against Oman, they will face-off with Serbia as a part of the first World Cup Qualifier. It was also learnt that experienced defender John O’ Shea has been included in the squad for both the matches.
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National team manager Martin O’ Neill feels that the match against Oman will be a perfect preparation for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers and also gives them the opportunity to play in front of their passionate supporters. “This game is ideal preparation for our first [World Cup] qualifier against Serbia in Belgrade a few days later. The Oman game also gives us the chance to play in front of Ireland supporters who enhanced their own reputation in France [during Euro 2016]. We are looking forward to both games” said Martin.
The Irish striker now currently represents ‘LA Galaxy’ in the ‘Major League Soccer’ in the USA and is the all-time top-scorer for Ireland. He has represented his nation in major tournaments such as the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Euro 2012 and recently in the EURO 2016 making him an influential figure in the country’s history.
