Robbie Keane: I’ve Dreaded This Day For A Long Time
Robbie Keane has been dreading this day for a long time, you can tell. The skipper tells us the time is right to bow out, his body language says he would do anything to prolong his career.
18 years, 145 caps and 67 goals, Keane has nothing left to prove. In truth it was never about proving anything, his motivation for representing his country was his pride in being Irish.
Robbie Keane loves donning the green shirt, he made that much clear as he addressed the media ahead of his final game a friendly with Oman at Lansdowne Road on Wednesday.
“I’ve played for many, many teams. I’ve put many, many jerseys on, but the Irish one always fit me the best.”
“It was always a comfort blanket coming back with the national team, it has been my second home.”
“I’ve had a lot of emotions in terms of my career, when my father died it was very tough for me. Three days later I was on a plane coming back to play for Ireland. My son was born, two hours later I left the hospital in LA to come and play for Ireland”
“Ireland has always had a very special place in my heart, and will have for a long time.”
There always been a belief in some quarters that despite his incredible achievements for the national team the Tallaght man was not properly appreciated by the sporting public.
It was something he addressed when he sat down with the media for the final time before a game:
“I’ve played for the national team for over 18 years, you can’t please everybody.”
"The same people after the game shake my hand, want to get a picture with me or want an interview from me.”
"That’s football, you’re going to get criticised, but all I’ve ever wanted was to do my best for the country. I think I’ve done that.”
“Come Wednesday or Thursday or Friday when that curtain finally closes, I’ll look back and say you know what, you did ok, Rob.”