Robbie Keane thought his Republic of Ireland career was over.
The 36-year-old took a bow, alongside Shay Given, to the travelling Irish fans in Lyon following Ireland’s Euro 2016 exit to France back in June.
Keane was certain that was his final act in an Ireland jersey, until Martin O’Neill stepped-in and offered him one final chance to play at the Aviva Stadium.
“If I didn't have that brashness about me, I don't think I would've scored 67 (international) goals." https://t.co/4Kv8VrGU4C
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) August 29, 2016
“I’m just very grateful to be given the opportunity to say goodbye to the fans,” Keane said ahead of Wednesday’s game against Oman.
“I’m just grateful from the manager’s point of view, giving me that call a few weeks ago, and asking me to play in this game. After the Euros, I thought that was it.
“To go out and say ‘thank you’ to the fans on Wednesday will be a special moment for me, and certainly something I’ll never forget.”
Keane was asked what was the standout moment from his 18 years, and 145 caps, in an Ireland jersey. While his last-minute equaliser against Germany in the 2002 World Cup remains a special memory, the 36-year-old said nothing could top his first goal for Ireland back in 1998.
“There’s been so many moments, certainly obviously Germany in the World Cup would always stand out. The France one doesn’t really stand out because we lost the game,” Keane said.
“Nothing will ever beat the first goal you’ve scored for Ireland, against Malta I scored two and we won 5-0.
“A year and a half before that I was playing on the streets in Tallaght, and here I am on the big stage in Lansdowne Road scoring my first goal in front of the Irish crowd.”
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