Earlier eir Sport released this video of the 36-year-old striker receiving a warm welcome from the crowd at the Aviva Stadium as he makes his 146th and final Ireland appearance. “I’ve had an absolutely wonderful career with the Irish team and I have so many great memories, but I think it’s the right time”.
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Burnley defender Ward said: “Sometimes you don’t know what you have until it’s gone, I suppose, it is the old cliché”. I’ll miss it all. “I look forward to watching it from a different perspective now”.
Keane again went close to doubling the lead as he took advantage of a mistake from Shiyadi to reach Glenn Whelan’s throughball, but saw his chipped finish land on the roof of the net.
Keane, who has played for Wolverhampton Wanderers, Coventry City, Inter Milan, Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Celtic, West Ham United and Aston Villa, memorably scored a last-minute equaliser against Germany in the 2002 World Cup finals.
Robbie Keane signed off from his Republic of Ireland career urging the players he leaves behind never to take representing their country for granted.
But the worldwide scene was always what mattered most to the Dubliner, often to the annoyance of his club managers.
“Even with injuries, you get injections before games”. 67 goals in 145 caps. There is no way I’m going into this game half hearted.
“I believe in the players and staff and feel we have a good chance”.
“I spoke to him after the Euros and thanked him, Roy (Keane), everyone”, said Keane.
“I’ve played for many many teams, I’ve put many many jerseys on but the Irish one always fitted me the best”, he said.
“I’m delighted for Robbie”. It will be an emotional night for me but I will savour each and every last moment.
“It’s certainly going to be hard to keep a dry eye, there is no question about it”, he admitted. 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.
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Keane announced his impending worldwide retirement last week, but also signalled his intention to continue his club career, although the possibility of a return to the Ireland fold one day in a coaching capacity is an intriguing one.
