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http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/du...l-3208487.html
Duff confirms he'll continue playing for Ireland. Says he's feeling as fit as he's ever felt and doesn't think playing for both teams will impact on the other.
Great to here he's feeling good, seems to have gotten over the injuries he struggled with a few seasons ago.
Great news, he'll be an important player for us this campaign touch wood.
Great news if it's true but I'd prefer a better source than Paul Hyland paraphrasing "close friends and family". Hopefully it will all be cleared up with the squad announcement tomorrow.
What news?
From IT July 3rd
Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff has insisted he is still prepared to line out for his country if called upon.
“There’s speculation just because of my age, I’m 33 years old, but I feel as good as ever, I feel 23,” he said while in Lebanon visiting Irish troops. “Listen I’m going to play until I drop.“I don’t think I’m really interested in anything else. Fulham, Ireland, if I end up in the Airtricity League, the Leinster Senior League. I’m going to do all that. You may laugh but that’s the plan, it’s on my list. I’m just going to play until I drop so I have to look after myself to do that.”
Maybe the FAI should get Trap a subscription to the Irish Times (despite the cost) because he didn't seem too clear last week. And, as shown on the previous page, the Irish Indo on the same day (July 3rd) had a slightly different version of the same conversation with Duffer.Quote:
Originally Posted by geysir
That Indo article from July 3rd pales into comparison with the IT's comprehensive report based on listening to what Duff said, recording his comments leaving no doubt to the interpretation.
But sure, as the best-"selling" newspaper in the country why would they have need for facts and journalistic integrity.Quote:
Originally Posted by geysir
nothing official yet, but rumours on the twitters is that Duff has retired from international football
Ken early says he retired
Ken Early @kenearlys9m
damien duff retires from international football - trapattoni press conference today at 3:30pm
i thought the sorcerer geysir, said he wasnt retiring?
This is all very confusing. I hope it's not true but nobody can question his commitment - 100 caps despite several serious injuries over the course of his career.
Newstalk were the first ones out with it.
Well in fairness didnt Duffer himself saying he was playing till he dropped. I am confused.......(No smart answers at the back).Quote:
Originally Posted by paul_oshea
Everyone twittering it, Dan McConnell, Miguel Delaney etc... $hite.
Ah no i know, the point im trying to make is the emphasis always placed on "interpretation".
Still strange that he would change his mind all of a sudden. Perhaps his wife threatened to leave him. Ah no perhaps she wanted to see more of him...:D
The twitterati seem pretty sure it's been confirmed. Still think Duffer could have offered us quite a lot, but it's entirely his decision (assuming the news is true). Another one of our fantastic servants. Will always remember him bursting onto the scene for us in 1998 and running himself absolutely ragged. What a joy to watch in the green he has been since. Great player with a modest attitude.
http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/F...R3KA5_Uqel.jpg
The positive thing is that we have strength in depth on the wings, but he'll still be missed.
I think he still has a few years at the top. Oddly, his history of injuries probably means he has a bit more in the tank than other players, plus his technical ability has always meant he never had to rely on pace.
Say it ain't so.........
This guy was an absolutely brilliant player for Ireland. But we wasted him isolated out on the (wrong) wing, or asked him to do too much work covering for full-backs. But he never complained, bless him.
The team should have been built around him. Can't help wonder what could have been...
Didn't Mick try him in a free role behind, I think, Robbie before eventually making him a striker?
Statement from Duff:
Quote:
It has always been a source of immense pride for me to represent my country. I found it very difficult to make this decision, not least for the respect in which I hold Giovanni Trapattoni. I have enjoyed so many good times in the green jersey and want to thank everyone involved, especially the fans for making the last 14 years so special. I want to wish Giovanni, Marco and everyone involved with the Irish team every success for the future and will be supporting them every step of the way.
is the 3.30pm press conference being streamed live?
Not that I'm aware of.