Finnan retires from International Football

[dr_peepee]

I was once like you... An optimist... But the weight of this has crushed my spirit...

I think it's gonna get dragged out til everyone of pedigree officially withdraws any interest, and EL TELs appointment is gonna be justified because no one else wanted it..

Believe me man, I'm not afraid to admit I'm wrong and if what you say materialises I'll gladly eat my own words... I just don't see it happening though.

[kingdomkerry]

I have no time for anyone who turns their back on their country shame on you Steve. Im disgusted with him!

[elroy]

I was afraid this would happen and find the timing a bit odd considering its been a while since we played our last game. Am hoping the new manager will get him to change his mind. i think SF is in danger of losing his place at liverpool, arbeloa now appears to be first choice right back and this may have affected his decision. Dont have a bad word to say about the lad, he was a consistent performer for us,particularly under Mick. Disappointed he's retired so soon because he had plenty to offer us but I've no doubt he's situation at liverpool and his hopes of extending his stay there as long as possible is behind this.

[Morbo]

If I was him I wouldn't be in a rush back going by some of the nonsense on here.

Played for Ireland for nearly a decade and all he gets is abuse.

Says as much for the modern football fan as it does the modern football player.

So we are supposed to be grateful that he us a favour with the tedious task of playing for his country for a few years, give me a break, if you are capable of improving your countrys chances of qualifying for a major tournament but choose not to do so then you are letting your country down, end of story

[Hibernian]

Big thanks to Finnan, he really did us proud.

The FAI let him down, they put him in a pressure situation where he had to decide if he wanted to make himself available for the next 2 years before the Brazil game with no knowledge whatsoever about who the next manager will be.

Maybe if it's Houllier, MAYBE we could see Stevie back. Otherwise thanks a million Finnan you're the best right back we ever had.

**** you the FAI, killing the sport slowly in the country. Soon you'll have your wish, there'll be no expectations because nobody will care.

Best right back my ass, you for real??

He was never anymore then average when he played for Ireland can anyone remember a Man of the Match performance by him I cant!!!

All his stupid excuses are a joke wish we never had him in first place now

[Torn-Ado]

So we are supposed to be grateful that he us a favour with the tedious task of playing for his country for a few years, give me a break, if you are capable of improving your countrys chances of qualifying for a major tournament but choose not to do so then you are letting your country down, end of story

Don't you know about the modern football fan? They actually have the sheer gall to criticise players and managers for sh*t performances and dissapointing them after spending half their life savings following their team... The cheek.

I'd like to know what it was like before the modern football fan came into fruition. When teams got horsed off the pitch by other crappier teams, did the pre modern football fans clap them off the field and say 'jolly good game chaps. Its all about takin part'.

As for Finnan, would he have been a Liverpool player and earning loads of cash if he wasn't given his chance at international level? Who knows. But he should give us one more campaign.

[eirebhoy]

ya i mentioned this before, i didnt mention a source as i didnt want to name it, but he had said it before the last game of the euros, actually i think it was before the germany game even.....

The same fella told me a funny story about what keane said to finnan about robinson during their game at anfield.

Yeh the guy on Newstalk said he pretty much told them before the last 2 games that he was retiring.

[tricky_colour]

It is sad he is he retiring but the good news is he will be becoming out of retirement every week to play for Liverpool

Your still thinking about the bad news aren't you?

[HolylandsMan]

Very disappointing. Basically discarding his international career for whatever perceived slight advantage he thinks it will have for his Liverpool career. Thought it was poor in September when he played twice in a few days for Liverpool just after missing 2 vital Ireland matches.

Still a very good player for us. At least Stephen Kelly seems to be in good form so hopefully by September he'll have matured enough to do a good job for us.

[chuckie]

In fairness, hes been injured nearly every second week for Liverpool this season so maybe thats got something to do with it. and as for the Makelele situation the manager should respect his decision especially becaues he already came out of retirement once when it looked as though they wouldnt make the world cup

[LeviathanNI]

Wait a minute.. forget about the FAI (I know it is hard, we try to do the same with the IFA).. when you play for your country, you aren't playing for them, you are playing for your Country! Every single person, every single club..every single footballer and every single supporter. When you pull on the shirt, you inspire kids to continue the dream of doing so. When you walk on that pitch and see everyone in unison, regardless of club affiliations.. that is what it is all about!
I know clubs pay the wages, but clubs can sell you.. your Country can never do that.. and yet it seems that players are quite happy to sell their country, and all those that have supported them at home, for what? Will he be a better player? No! Will he be a worse player? I doubt it as all the best players in the world manage to do it, and do it with pride!
All he has done is sold his country down the drain and give everyone the two fingered salute.. not the FAI, you the supporter.


Hmm...see Spurs just scored..

[Sligo Hornet]

Steve has probably found out that Del Boy definitely has got the job, and can't think of himself playing for T.I.Ts

[shanman2]

I'd like to wish Steve Finnan all the best with his retirement. It is sad to see him go but Ifor one will always remember his performances at the world cup in 2002. It's obvious he is worried about his Liverpool career. He aint the first he certainly won't be the last. Step forward Joey O' Brien. I seen him against Sweden in his first international and very impressed with him. I know his performances of last in the Green have been critisised but I think right back is ideal for him at international level.

[SUB of the day]

Wait a minute.. forget about the FAI (I know it is hard, we try to do the same with the IFA).. when you play for your country, you aren't playing for them, you are playing for your Country! Every single person, every single club..every single footballer and every single supporter. When you pull on the shirt, you inspire kids to continue the dream of doing so. When you walk on that pitch and see everyone in unison, regardless of club affiliations.. that is what it is all about!
I know clubs pay the wages, but clubs can sell you.. your Country can never do that.. and yet it seems that players are quite happy to sell their country, and all those that have supported them at home, for what? Will he be a better player? No! Will he be a worse player? I doubt it as all the best players in the world manage to do it, and do it with pride!
All he has done is sold his country down the drain and give everyone the two fingered salute.. not the FAI, you the supporter.


Hmm...see Spurs just scored..

Leviathan for Mayor!!!

[hamburg paul]

Best right back my ass, you for real??

He was never anymore then average when he played for Ireland can anyone remember a Man of the Match performance by him I cant!!!

All his stupid excuses are a joke wish we never had him in first place now

The best right back we ever had is now barely able to walk !The one and only Dave Langan, best of luck to you my friend you never got the treatment you deserved from the Blazers in merrion sq,it must be sad for you to see how some of your successors decide to jump ship at such an early age .

[Armando]

I'd like to wish Steve Finnan all the best with his retirement. It is sad to see him go but Ifor one will always remember his performances at the world cup in 2002. It's obvious he is worried about his Liverpool career. He aint the first he certainly won't be the last. Step forward Joey O' Brien. I seen him against Sweden in his first international and very impressed with him. I know his performances of last in the Green have been critisised but I think right back is ideal for him at international level.

That line makes me laugh, it's not really one you'd use for a situation like this...it's not like he's actually retiring, just doesn't want to play for his country anymore

[lowroadrover]

Sad to see him go,he's one of the best players we currently have . All this messing around by the FAI can't exactly be helping.That said 31 is way too early for him or any fit Pro to retire .

[boovidge]

On the bright side maybe this'll encourage Stephen Carr to come out of retirement again.

jeff kenna?

[sullanefc]

He has gone way down in my estimation. He has just turned his back on his country. Pathetic.

[Traps Cat]

Very disapointed to hear this. Has at least two years as an international left. A great player for us , but in my opionion a bitter end to a solid international career - ducking out when we probably need him most. Shouldnt be asked to reconsider as his heart is obviously no longer in it. A shame.