brine3
01/04/2005, 5:27 PM
Keane Retires From International Football
Staff and agencies
Friday April 1, 2005
The Guardian
Roy Keane has announced his retirement from International football. Keane, 33, has been a controversial figure in the Irish camp since his return to the fold last September.
The Manchester United midfielder had previously refused to discuss his International future following his statement, later retracted, that he would retire from Premiership football at the end of next season.
In a statement released from Old Trafford today, Keane stated that he wished to concentrate on club football and winning the Premiership: "Obviously I wish the team all the best but I feel that the struggle to play in International matches has reached a level I can't ignore."
Keane denied that his retirement had any connection to the training facilities provided by the Football Association of Ireland in Tel Aviv. There were rumours of discontent emanating from the camp midweek at the failure to fulfill players' special dietary needs. Everton midfielder Kevin Kilbane was forced to take the field for the game against Israel last week hungry, his supply of oats having been lost in transport.
Staff and agencies
Friday April 1, 2005
The Guardian
Roy Keane has announced his retirement from International football. Keane, 33, has been a controversial figure in the Irish camp since his return to the fold last September.
The Manchester United midfielder had previously refused to discuss his International future following his statement, later retracted, that he would retire from Premiership football at the end of next season.
In a statement released from Old Trafford today, Keane stated that he wished to concentrate on club football and winning the Premiership: "Obviously I wish the team all the best but I feel that the struggle to play in International matches has reached a level I can't ignore."
Keane denied that his retirement had any connection to the training facilities provided by the Football Association of Ireland in Tel Aviv. There were rumours of discontent emanating from the camp midweek at the failure to fulfill players' special dietary needs. Everton midfielder Kevin Kilbane was forced to take the field for the game against Israel last week hungry, his supply of oats having been lost in transport.