Damien Duff has spoken strongly about his decision to leave the Irish coaching set-up.
Without really dropping any hints as to the reason why he left.
“Not one day has passed when I’ve regretted it… I would have been unhappy with myself if I’d stayed,” said the Dubliner on his first public appearance since the decision, on RTE’s Champions League coverage on Tuesday night.
Whatever his reasons are, it’s clear that there are no regrets on his side and indeed, that there will be no going back.
“I felt strongly about things and I would have been unhappy with myself if I’d stayed, it’s as simple as that,” he continued, matter-of-factly.
“I know it’s not ideal for the manager, but at the same time, it’s a chance for him to bring in a better coach than me.
“He’s done it already on the goalkeeping side, he’s brought in Dean Kiely, a great guy who’ll bring great energy to the squad. He’s a top coach whose coaching at the top level of the Premier League every week.”
"Not one day has passed when I've regretted it. I would have been unhappy with myself if I'd stayed."
Damien Duff speaks strongly, but doesn't say much about leaving the Ireland set-up.pic.twitter.com/Bj3jh0Osuh
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) February 16, 2021
Duff doesn’t agree with the notion that he has let his country down by walking away and insists that he will dedicate himself to Irish football’s grassroots.
“I can’t hide in my house forever because I left the FAI, no way. And people will say I’ve let my country down. I’ve let nobody down here.
“I’ll continue to dedicate myself to Irish football in a different capacity, by coaching young players and improving young players, and hopefully improving myself as well.
Damien Duff rejects any criticism from those who feel that he may have let his country down when deciding to walk away from the Republic of Ireland set-up #rtesoccer pic.twitter.com/dGisAcQdVT
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) February 16, 2021
“But all I’ve ever done since I wore the Irish shirt from 14, under-15 is dedicate myself to Irish football and I’ve never let my country down, and I will continue to work for Irish football in a different way.”
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