After 125 caps and 16 years of service Donegal’s Shay Given has announced his retirement from international football.
Ireland’s most capped international has revealed on twitter that he has decided to end his record-breaking run between the posts and focus on his club career.
The 36-year-old described it as “a most difficult decision” – but in a statement he said: “It’s been a great honour and privilege to play and on occasion captain the team. I shall remain a huge fan of the team as I have been all my life and I wish them every success for the future. I wish to thank all the players,managers,staff & most importantly the most wonderful fans in the world.
Finally I would like to thank my wife Jane, my 2 amazing kids and my entire family for their unwavering support over the 16 years & 125 caps.”
Speculation over Given’s future had been widespread since the end of the Euro2012 campaign, but Giovanni Trapattoni had indicated just last week that he was hopeful that the Donegal man would remain-on for the World Cup qualifying campagin along with the likes of Richard Dunne, Robbie Keane and Damien Duff.
Former team-mate, Kevin Kilbane says that Given was a joy to play with…
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
