Robbie Keane has announced his retirement as a professional footballer having been appointed assistant coach of the Republic of Ireland national team.
Keane, 38, scored 325 goals in 73 club appearances in a top flight career that began with Wolves in 1997 and took him to the likes of Inter Milan, Tottenham, Liverpool and LA Galaxy.
His tally of 68 goals in 146 caps for Republic of Ireland makes him the highest scorer in his country’s history and – alongside former West German international Gerd Muller and Carlos Ruiz – the 17th highest scorer ever in international football.
“From Crumlin United around the world to the likes of Milan, London and Los Angeles, I could never have imagined the path my football life would take,” Keane said. “It has exceeded all the hopes I had as a football-mad boy growing up in Dublin.”
Keane will now join Mick McCarthy’s coaching staff on the Irish national staff after the 59-year-old returned to the job he previously held between 1996 and 2002 after Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane paid the price for a disastrous Uefa Nations League campaign.
“With the closing of one chapter comes an exciting new adventure,” Keane said. “I am incredibly proud, honoured and excited to now be working alongside Mick McCarthy, Terry Connor and the Irish international team over the next number of years.
“This is a role I have massive passion, energy and enthusiasm for and I hope to use my experiences to contribute towards a bright future in Irish football.”
