Robbie Keane gave his final press conference as Republic of Ireland captain on Monday afternoon.
The 36-year-old will line-out one last time for the country against Oman on Wednesday, and reflected on his incredible career in the green jersey ahead of the game.
Keane has scored 67 goals in 145 caps – setting two Irish records that will likely outlive us all – but there’s always been a sense that his exploits haven’t been universally appreciated by Irish fans.
QUIZ: Can you name Ireland's Top 10 goalscorers of all-time? https://t.co/1M8JM0PH22
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Stephen Hunt, his former international teammate, put forward an interesting theory as to why this is the case. The former Ireland winger cited Keane’s confident demeanour, which stood out in an Irish sporting culture that tended to value humility from their sporting heroes.
Stephen Hunt has never been one to dance around an opinionhttps://t.co/dCXo2tKBLc
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Keane was asked about the theory that he has been under-appreciated, and gave the perfect response that offers an insight into his mental strength, confident outlook and experience that has stood him well across his career.
“I’ve played for the national team for over 18 years – you can’t please everybody,” the soon-to-be former Ireland captain said.
“But at the same time, the same people after the game shake my hand, want to get a photograph 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, I’ve got no regrets whatsoever. The messages I’ve received from people (since announcing his intention to retire) has been incredible. 67 goals in 145 caps. I think I’ve done okay.”
Keane also spoke about his confident demeanour, and cited it as central to his achievements as a player.
“I’ve heard a lot of stuff about being confident, and stuff like that, and being cocky. I think there’s a fine line between both. I think I was always a confident player, but if I wasn’t a confident player, and didn’t have that brashness about me, I don’t think I would’ve scored 67 (international) goals.”
“People sometimes misinterpret cockiness and confidence. I was confident coming into the squad that I belong here, that was from day one.
“When I was growing up, when I was at Wolves, people were retiring at 30, 32 years of age. And I was thinking ‘if I get to 30, 32 years of age I’ll be delighted’. And here I am, 36 and still playing.”
Keane’s confidence hasn’t waned over the last 18 years, and neither has his love of playing for Ireland. The striker said being handed the Ireland captaincy by Steve Staunton 10 years ago, when he was 26-years-old, was the “defining moment” of his career and that, in a career that saw him play for 10 clubs sides, he always felt most comfortable playing for Ireland.
“It’s been a unbelievable career for me with the national team. I’ve put many jerseys on, but the Irish one always seemed to fit me the best.”
