Damien Duff

[nigel-harps1954]

Anyone else want to claim this whoosh?

[Crosby87]

Nigel can I borrow $2,000? I need an operation on my uterus.

[BonnieShels]

2 grand for sand removal?

[nigel-harps1954]

2 grand for sand removal?

Uhmerican health system ;)

[gastric]

Damien seems to be enjoying life and does not seem interested in returning to international football. I think his son's health issues would have helped with this decision.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/euros-were-horrendous-but-if-your-kids-are-sick-it-puts-it-in-perspective-29329491.html

[Colbert Report]

He named his son "Woody"???

[Drumcondra 69er]

He named his son "Woody"???

Better than Buzz I suppose.....

[DeLorean]

Duff may not be going to the World Cup in Rio but he doesn't rule out Ireland's chances. "Never write off the Trap. People have done it before and been proved wrong. They have a chance."

Duffer obviously still has faith in the man that has drained all the confidence and belief from the squad.

[jbyrne]

Duffer obviously still has faith in the man that has drained all the confidence and belief from the squad.

really? recent results and performances would suggest otherwise

[DeLorean]

really?

Nope, just sarcastically reacting to the Dunphy and Sadlier comments from Friday night.

[KK77]

He named his son "Woody"???

And his daughter Darcy!

[Yard of Pace]

He paid tribute to the medical staff who looked after his son: “Doctors and nurses, they should be on the footballers wages, not us, because the things they can do nowadays is just incredible.”

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/international/2013/0618/457333-duff/

Duffer has been my favourite ever player for Ireland, in his play and his personality, and I doubt he'll ever be bettered. (Though I do have a rather embarrassing/funny sex story related to him which happened with a friend of a friend, but hey we've all been there.)

[paul_oshea]

Your friend and her friends are sluts. Reading that article yesterday made me wonder, did Duff always feel playing football for Ireland was the ultimate, until he realised that when his son was born and subsequently was sick, that he and his family were more important. That in itself made him re-evaluate playing for Ireland and football etc. Therefore there was no decision required, for him it was about his family. I say this because anytime in the past he always only spoke about Football and he didn't know anything else and he would playing for as long as he could, so why stop playing for your country then? I've always liked Duff and like yourself his humility and the understatedness in everything he did whilst representing Ireland was a breath of fresh air, however I still think he did the wrong thing and he shouldn't have retired, somewhat selfish perhaps. Playing for your Country is the ultimate, and should always be. However I am becoming more and more aware that I am different to most others in this belief everyday.

[gastric]

Your friend and her friends are sluts. Reading that article yesterday made me wonder, did Duff always feel playing football for Ireland was the ultimate, until he realised that when his son was born and subsequently was sick, that he and his family were more important. That in itself made him re-evaluate playing for Ireland and football etc. Therefore there was no decision required, for him it was about his family. I say this because anytime in the past he always only spoke about Football and he didn't know anything else and he would playing for as long as he could, so why stop playing for your country then? I've always liked Duff and like yourself his humility and the understatedness in everything he did whilst representing Ireland was a breath of fresh air, however I still think he did the wrong thing and he shouldn't have retired, somewhat selfish perhaps. Playing for your Country is the ultimate, and should always be. However I am becoming more and more aware that I am different to most others in this belief everyday.

Paul, I think having kids changes your whole perspective on life, and as they and you get older, you begin to reflect on your own mortality! I would agree with you, Duff has developed a whole new perspective on life and he probably recognises football just pays the bills at the end of the day. International football on the other hand just takes you away from your family and having got his 100 caps he probably thought enough is enough.

[Crosby87]

You should adopt 11 baby boys, POSH, train them over the years and see how many are starting for Eire in 2035. I would say 2-6. But adopt them from countries where there is a rich, successful tradition of football. Such as Uruguay.

[DeLorean]

International football on the other hand just takes you away from your family

That's true but there's probably a downside also.

[paul_oshea]

Ya,but he has plenty of time with them anyway, especially compared to other professions. I mean they finish about 1 or 2 in the afternoon. I just think its a cop out.

[geysir]

Ya,but he has plenty of time with them anyway, especially compared to other professions. I mean they finish about 1 or 2 in the afternoon. I just think its a cop out.
What's the relevance to Duff's intl. retirement apart from your dream that he retired for family related reasons?

[paul_oshea]

So you don't think he retired for family reasons? If Duff were single and had no kids do you think he would have retired?

[geysir]

So you don't think he retired for family reasons? If Duff were single and had no kids do you think he would have retired?
I know he took a decision to retire and that Trap came close to making him change his mind.
As to what's the most likely reason, I haven't a clue, Duff hasn't given any indication.

Unless there are facts to say otherwise, i'd have a guess that the most likely reason is that he wants to extend his club career at the top level that bit longer, especially a player who needs rest and recuperation from niggling injuries, another year's contract with his club makes a difference to his retirement fund, whereas it doesn't make that much difference to the Irish squad as there are players like Brady coming through. Duff has nothing to answer for re his decision to retire and imo, it doesn't detract in the least from my opinion of him as an Irish international, even when compared to Dunne and Keane who carry on regardless.

[Colbert Report]

Duff left out of the squad again today for Fulham's match away to Liverpool. Is his career over? How long does he have left on his contract?

[DannyInvincible]

His contract ends next summer. He signed a new deal last February: http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/february/22/duffers-new-deal

[Yard of Pace]

Duff left out of the squad again today for Fulham's match away to Liverpool. Is his career over? How long does he have left on his contract?

He said last year he'll go back to the LOI if he can and then the Leinster Senior League and then whoever will take him.

I've said it before but he's by a mile my favourite Irish player ever. The storie sare endless. His ma used to look after his bank account and he'd just take out his few bob when he needed it. And then go back to bed.

He travelled to see us play away when he was injured like a regular fan.

Love him.

[youngirish]

One of our most naturally talented players ever. Comfortable with both feet, dribbled like the ball was stuck to them, consistently whipped in pinpoint crosses from both wings, full of fancy tricks, twists and turns and he rarely gave away possession.

In my years watching Ireland I can only think of Brady being as good technically..

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Duff started for the first time in several months midweek after recovering from injury and was dropped for this weekend's game, not even making the bench.

Fulham losing 6-0 to Hull.

He's no wing wizard anymore at his age but perhaps his defensive awareness and experience will be more appreciated after yet another result like that for Fulham.

[Charlie Darwin]

I would bet anything he was dropped from the squad because he's no longer physically able to play two games in 48 hours.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

I will admit part of my last post came out of frustration that he was copping some flak from Fulham fans for his last performance, a first start in months.

Ironic that they won that game and then lose 6-0 to Hull days later.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

May have played his last Premiership game. He's out until May at the earliest after his latest injury setback.

[Yard of Pace]

McPhail, Duffer and Fahey, not to mention the likes of Chris Forrester et al.....it'd be great for the LOI.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

http://thescore.thejournal.ie/damien-duff-interview-not-retiring-anytime-soon-1389012-Mar2014/

Duff - no plans on retiring.

[Paddy Garcia]

I thought he retired already!

[Charlie Darwin]

Duffer: Me want to play A-League or MLS before me return home

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/english-soccer/damien-duff-to-go-abroad-before-returning-to-ireland-1.1763176

[Crosby87]

Keane and Duff reunited in the land of smog and implants. Glorious! LA Galaxy have room for one more immigrant i believe, according to MLS rules. Can't wait to see them sitting courtside at Laker....er Clipper playoff games. Wait til he sees all those Korean-Mexican food trucks. He is going to be hopelessly confused.

[Charlie Darwin]

@ExtratimeNews (https://twitter.com/ExtratimeNews)

According to reports in Daily Mail, Damien Duff has opted to join Melbourne Heart over Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC & Perth Glory

[BonnieShels]

Heart are backed by Man City so they has the cash. Better in Melbourne than Sydney or Perth.

[Charlie Darwin]

Duffer will be joined by David Villa for the first half of the season at Melbourne City: http://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/spanish-superstar-david-villa-confirmed-for-10game-guest-stint-with-melbourne-city-in-aleague/story-e6frf4ju-1226944133920

[Olé Olé]

Was just about to post the same thing.

Great to see Duffer joined by a similarly gifted attacking player. That pair would surely rip the defences to shreds if they can maintain fitness and a decent level of form. Pity it's only the A-League.

It's interesting to note that Duffer and Robbie are now plying their trade on different continents. As an Irish football fan, I watch the PL but also maintain an interest in (i.e. watch them if they were on the box and check results) the SPL, Championship, Serie A, La Liga and, to an extent, Ligue 1. It's a bit of a pity that this pair have gone to Australia and America. I know these leagues are on the up but they seem to be more of a final pay day for some of the senior citizens of European football. It raises the profile of the game over there, I'm sure, but it's hard to maintain an interest in these leagues for me when Keane and Duff are predominantly surrounded by players that are either of a level and/or background that's never going to really attact my interest or attention.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

I wouldn't worry about Keane or Duff - pity that it is that they go somewhere for the lifestyle instead of the football - at least they are entitled to it at their age I suppose.

I would worry that Andy Keogh could start a trend where if things aren't working out for an Irish player in English football, he will eschew the option of moving to a European country with a good standard of football and will just go to America or particularly Australia. And then it's out of sight, out of mind.......

[Charlie Darwin]

I don't think anybody was really worried Keogh would start a trend. He's clearly decided to cut his losses on international football and, similar to Liam Miller, pursue a new life somewhere else.

[Stuttgart88]

I wouldn't worry about Keane or Duff - pity that it is that they go somewhere for the lifestyle instead of the football - at least they are entitled to it at their age I suppose.

I would worry that Andy Keogh could start a trend where if things aren't working out for an Irish player in English football, he will eschew the option of moving to a European country with a good standard of football and will just go to America or particularly Australia. And then it's out of sight, out of mind.......players of Andy Keogh's ability are two to a penny in Europe though.

[KK77]

He has had no offers from LOI clubs he has said. Sure he loves the league so much he's had to read up on it.

[DannyInvincible]

Duff joins Melbourne City on a one-year deal: http://www.independent.ie/sport/damien-duff-joins-melbourne-city-fc-on-oneyear-deal-30342466.html

[nigel-harps1954]

Well..there goes that idea.

[gastric]

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeess! I have just become a Melbourne City fan after years of favouring Victory. Fickle, but ecstatic!

[geysir]

You don't have to go the whole hog, you can just park your Victory affiliations for a season and loan your support out to City.

[Stuttgart88]

Barstooler

[Charlie Darwin]

I support the real (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/aleagues-melbourne-city-insists-it-can-coexist-with-state-league-club-of-the-same-name/story-fnibbvjo-1226946019753) Melbourne City FC.

[Olé Olé]

Aye up, the Duffer is still intent on finishing out his career in Ireland.

http://www.thescore.ie/damien-duff-interview-melbourne-fc-move-loi-1510520-Jun2014/

[Charlie Darwin]

I think Damien is a bit naive about the set-up in Ireland. He's probably on seven figures in Australia. No team in Ireland is going to approach him because they can't afford him. The only way anything will happen is if Pat Devlin arranges something, but even the full-time teams in Ireland wouldn't have a fraction of the facilities to which he's accustomed. The same thing happened a couple of years back when Zambrotta said he'd love to play in Ireland but the clubs here would be too scared to even ask.

[geysir]

If he's half crocked he can go to Tallaght, but if there's still some life in him, he would do well with a team that makes an attempt to play football, like Dundalk.