Ahead of his final worldwide game on Wednesday, Robbie Keane has said that none of the many jerseys he has worn have fitted him better than the green of Ireland.
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Robbie Keane believes the time is right for him to retire from worldwide duty but has “dreaded” doing so for a while.
“Come Wednesday or Thursday or Friday when that curtain finally closes, I’ll look back and say, ‘You know what, you did ok, Rob'”.
And Keane said: “It’s definitely been an emotional week for me”. I think I’ve done that, I’ve got no regrets whatsoever.
“To go out and say goodbye to the fans on Wednesday will be a special moment for me and it’ll be something that I’ll never, ever forget”.
Robbie Keane says he is grateful for the opportunity to end his worldwide career at home in Dublin but that the game against Oman will be a bitter sweet occasion for him and his loved ones.
“The defining moment of my career was being given the Ireland captain’s armband at the age of 26”.
“The last week has been very positive from everybody in terms of the messages I’ve been getting from people I played with, friends and family, but I haven’t really reflected on it”.
“I’ll continue to support the Irish team in a different capacity now, on the sidelines watching them”.
Keane said: “For everybody in the Euros when you lose a game, it’s very hard, but to see my son Robert in the crowd after, seven years of age and crying his eyes out was a moment for me”.
Keane has scored 67 goals in 145 caps – setting two Irish records that will likely outlive us all – but there’s always been a sense that his exploits haven’t been universally appreciated by Irish fans.
Robbie Keane’s worldwide retirement marks the end of an 18-year era in Irish football. You are going to get criticised sometimes, but all I did was want to do my best for the country, and I think I have done that.
Keane has scored five MLS goals in 10 appearances for LA Galaxy this season and insists he will continue to play on at club level, although he is considering a future coaching career.
“If you’re asking me down the road would I like to be involved, of course”.
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“Robbie Keane deserves to be recognized and celebrated as one of the greatest Irish players of all time and his achievements with the Irish senior team over more than 18 years will take some surpassing”, Higgins said in a statement. “Absolutely. For now I’m focused on still playing”, he added. Moreover, as a representative of our country wherever in the world he has played, Robbie has always conducted himself with great dignity and has been a wonderful ambassador for Ireland.
