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James McClean announces plan to retire from Republic of Ireland duty
James McClean announces plan to retire from Republic of Ireland duty
Republic of Ireland winger James McClean has announced his “heartbreaking” decision to retire from international football at the end of the year. The 34-year-old has earned 102 caps for his country, reaching his century in a 3-0 Euro 2024 qualifier victory over Gibraltar in June. McClean – currently his country’s joint fifth most-capped player – has scored 11 goals wearing the green jersey and plans to make his final appearance for Stephen Kenny’s side in their November 21 friendly against New Zealand. Explaining his decision on social media, McClean wrote: “On February 20th 2012, I received my first call-up to represent my country. “In all honestly, hand on heart, there are no words that could do justice to that feeling. Since then, 102 caps, 11 goals and two European Championships. “Now, 11 years later, I have come to a point, one that truth be told you never think is going to come but here we are, where I am announcing my retirement from international football at the end of the 2023 season. “The New Zealand match will be the last time that I will celebrate pulling on the green jersey as a player and give me a chance to say goodbye to the best fans in the world. It will be heartbreaking not to be involved beyond this year, but I feel now is the right time to step aside without any regrets James McClean “It has the meant the absolute world and more to be able to pull on the green jersey with honour, step out onto a football pitch – especially at the Aviva Stadium – to represent our great country, standing singing Amhran na bhFiann ready to go out into battle with your fellow countrymen. “Nothing has ever come close. I gave absolutely everything I had of myself to ensure that I did the jersey, the fans and the country proud, and know that I never took it for granted each time. I hope that showed. “It will be heartbreaking not to be involved beyond this year, but I feel now is the right time to step aside without any regrets. “I lived my own and every young Irish footballer’s dream – and represented this country with pride.” McClean also thanked his managers, team-mates and staff, fans and wife Erin before concluding: “Thank you, Ireland – it’s been the biggest privilege and as always, an honour.” Derry-born McClean joined League Two side Wrexham in August from Wigan on a one-season contract with an option for extension. He has been the subject of controversy and abuse, particularly following his decision in 2012 to refuse to wear a poppy as part of Remembrance Day commemorations whilst playing for Sunderland. While he began his international career with Northern Ireland as a junior, McClean ultimately decided to play for the Republic at senior level and made his debut in February 2012, when he came on as a late substitute in a friendly against the Czech Republic. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live MCC punishes members involved in spat with Australia players in Lord’s Long Room Eddie Howe praises Jamaal Lascelles for stepping up as Newcastle stun PSG Rachel Choong hoping badminton initiative helps find ‘next Paralympic stars’
2023-10-05 18:52
British Open returns to Hoylake, PGA Tour and European tour are in Tahoe area
British Open returns to Hoylake, PGA Tour and European tour are in Tahoe area
The 151st staging of the British Open is at Royal Liverpool
2023-07-18 23:16
Acuña homers for the 7th time in 11 games as the MLB-leading Braves defeat the Pirates 8-2
Acuña homers for the 7th time in 11 games as the MLB-leading Braves defeat the Pirates 8-2
ATLANTA (AP) — Ronald Acuña Jr. homered for the seventh time in 11 games, Eddie Rosario went deep and drove in three runs and the major league-leading Atlanta Braves beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-2 on Friday night.
2023-09-09 10:56
Roundup: 'Madame Web' Trailer Debuts; Deshaun Watson Done For Season; Gerrit Cole, Blake Snell Win Cy Young Awards
Roundup: 'Madame Web' Trailer Debuts; Deshaun Watson Done For Season; Gerrit Cole, Blake Snell Win Cy Young Awards
The "Madame Web" trailer debuted, Deshaun Watson is done for the season, Gerrit Cole and Blake Snell won Cy Young Awards and more in the Roundup.
2023-11-16 20:24
Cardinals: MLB hands down suspensions for Miles Mikolas, Oli Marmot
Cardinals: MLB hands down suspensions for Miles Mikolas, Oli Marmot
Without some drama, it wouldn't be a St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs series. That drama got ratcheted up a notch as the MLB handed down suspensions after Miles Mikolas hit Ian Happ with a pitch Thursday. In the first inning of Thursday's game. Cubs outfielder Ian Happ took a swing...
2023-07-29 07:26
Showalter says no sympathy in MLB: `People will step on your neck and laugh while you’re bleeding'
Showalter says no sympathy in MLB: `People will step on your neck and laugh while you’re bleeding'
Mets manager Buck Showalter expects little empathy from the rest of the major leagues for his team’s sorry season
2023-09-12 06:57
Sabonis and Monk rally Kings past Trail Blazers 121-118 in overtime
Sabonis and Monk rally Kings past Trail Blazers 121-118 in overtime
Domantas Sabonis had 27 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists, Malik Monk made two critical free throws with 13 seconds left in overtime and the Sacramento Kings rallied after trailing late in the fourth quarter to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 121-118
2023-11-09 14:55
Twins scratch Castro and Gallo from lineup because of pink eye
Twins scratch Castro and Gallo from lineup because of pink eye
Minnesota Twins third baseman Willi Castro and outfielder Joey Gallo were scratched from the lineup Friday night because of pink eye
2023-07-22 09:20
NBA Draft rumors: Pelicans blocked, player withholding medicals, Kobe destination promised
NBA Draft rumors: Pelicans blocked, player withholding medicals, Kobe destination promised
NBA Draft rumors: Pelicans blocked on Scoot Henderson trade pursuitThe New Orleans Pelicans have been active in trying to move up to select Scoot Henderson in the 2023 NBA Draft, to the point of even securing a meeting with the G-League Ignite guard. According to Shams Charania of Stadium, however...
2023-06-23 08:25
Tyrese Maxey scores career-high 50 points, leads 76ers to 8th straight win
Tyrese Maxey scores career-high 50 points, leads 76ers to 8th straight win
Tyrese Maxey scored a career-high 50 points, Joel Embiid had 37 points and the Philadelphia 76ers improved to 8-1 with their eighth straight victory, beating the Indiana Pacers 137-126
2023-11-13 11:29
An Israeli team begins a tour against NBA teams, believing games provide hope during a war at home
An Israeli team begins a tour against NBA teams, believing games provide hope during a war at home
Yehu Orland wore a shirt honoring a close friend who was killed two days earlier defending Israel, and expected to have tears in his eyes when his country’s national anthem played before a game in Brooklyn
2023-10-13 08:21
Southern California hiring Washington's Jennifer Cohen as athletic director, AP source says
Southern California hiring Washington's Jennifer Cohen as athletic director, AP source says
Jennifer Cohen is being hired as Southern California’s athletic director after seven years in the same post at the University of Washington, according to a person with knowledge of the decision
2023-08-22 02:28