Damien Duff - never really lived up to his billing did he? Never lived up to the hype. And not surprised he's taken the easy option, and retired. He can sleep a bit more now, I guess.
Damien Duff retires from international duty with Ireland
Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff has announced his retirement from international football.
The 33-year-old only made his decision in the last 48 hours after holding talks with Giovanni Trapattoni.
Duff made his 100th and final appearance for the team in the Euro 2012 defeat to Italy in June.
Duff follows Shay Given, the Republic of Ireland's most capped player of all time, into retirement but Trapattoni has persuaded Robbie Keane to play on.
The Republic of Ireland boss claimed prior to the friendly with Serbia earlier this month that he was confident of convincing all four of his veterans - Keane, Duff, Given and Richard Dunne - to continue playing during the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Yet within 24 hours, Given retired and now Duff has followed suit.
Damien Duff's Republic of Ireland career
Dunne is also expected to make himself available, even though he misses the opening qualifier against Kazakhstan with a groin problem.
"I found it very difficult to make this decision, not least for the respect in which I hold Giovanni Trapattoni," said Duff on Friday.
"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 (Tardelli) and everyone involved with the Irish team every success for the future and will be supporting them every step of the way."
Trapattoni said Duff will be "missed by us and by Irish fans everywhere".
"He was immensely skilful and a great example to the players who come after him."
Damien Duff retires from international duty with Ireland
Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff has announced his retirement from international football.
The 33-year-old only made his decision in the last 48 hours after holding talks with Giovanni Trapattoni.
Duff made his 100th and final appearance for the team in the Euro 2012 defeat to Italy in June.
Duff follows Shay Given, the Republic of Ireland's most capped player of all time, into retirement but Trapattoni has persuaded Robbie Keane to play on.
The Republic of Ireland boss claimed prior to the friendly with Serbia earlier this month that he was confident of convincing all four of his veterans - Keane, Duff, Given and Richard Dunne - to continue playing during the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Yet within 24 hours, Given retired and now Duff has followed suit.
Damien Duff's Republic of Ireland career
- Made senior debut in 1998 against Czech Republic
- Scored eight goals in 100 appearances
- Scored the first ever golden goal in a World Cup match during the 1997 Fifa World Youth Championship in Malaysia
- Voted Ireland's player of the tournament at 2002 World Cup in Japan and Korea
Dunne is also expected to make himself available, even though he misses the opening qualifier against Kazakhstan with a groin problem.
"I found it very difficult to make this decision, not least for the respect in which I hold Giovanni Trapattoni," said Duff on Friday.
"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 (Tardelli) and everyone involved with the Irish team every success for the future and will be supporting them every step of the way."
Trapattoni said Duff will be "missed by us and by Irish fans everywhere".
"He was immensely skilful and a great example to the players who come after him."
