Republic of Ireland player Shay Given announced yesterday that he’s retiring from international football.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper, from Lifford in Donegal, played with Stoke for two decades and achieved huge success with the team including being named as FAI Senior International Player of the Year two years in a row.
Taking to Twitter last night, Shay thanked fans for their kindness and support over the years that he played international football, and explained that he will now be focussing on his career with club football.
“It’s every boy’s dream to play football for his school, his local club, and maybe, in his wildest dreams, his country. To try be as good at football as his father was before him and make his mother proud.
“I’ve been blessed that I was able to do this, from kickabouts in the back yard at home in Co Donegal with my brothers, to playing for St Colomba’s Collage Stranorlar, Lifford Celtic and then to making my debut with the Republic of Ireland aged 19.
“I’m one of the very lucky ones who got to wear the jersey for his country and wore the badge with pride 134 times. But now it’s time to hang up the gloves and move from the onion bag to the terraces, where I’ll be shouting the lads on as one of Ireland’s biggest fans.
“So as I retire from Ireland duty to focus on my club career, I want to say a HUGE thanks to everyone who supported me all the way – my close family, friends and amazing fans.
“Couldn’t have done it without you, and all my great team-mates, managers and friends at the FAI,” he wrote.
Now that’s a tear jerker, we’ll miss you Shay.
