IRELAND DEFENDER RICHARD Dunne phoned team-mate Robbie Keane before announcing his retirement from international duty.
The 34-year-old defender, who won 80 caps for the Boys in Green, has decided to pack in his 14-year association with the senior set-up in order to prolong his club career.
Dunne and current captain Keane were part of Brian Kerr’s Ireland team which claimed victory in the U18 European Championships back in 1998 and the pair, both originally from Tallaght, have roomed together for over a decade.
Speaking at QPR’s press conference at Carton House ahead of tomorrow’s pre-season friendly with Shamrock Rovers, Dunne said: ”I had a chat with Robbie.
“Me and Robbie have been room-mates for the last 10-12 years. He understood my reasons and the decision that I took.
Robbie’s a year younger than me and still scoring goals and doing everything right so he’ll continue I’m sure.”
Ahead of the trip to Dublin, Dunne phoned up Martin O’Neill and FAI chief executive John Delaney to inform them of his decision yesterday morning. He and the current manager enjoy a good working relationship and it wasn’t made more difficult than it needed to be.
“He (O’Neill) just asked if I’d made my decision and he just said ‘fair play to you, you done great and keep in touch’ sort of thing,” said Dunne. “I get on well with Martin so it was a nice conversation and he wished me well.
“He respects the decision that I made and that’s the way it is. For me to play one game or two games and then if things didn’t go right and I was to retire it looks worse. So it’s best for a clean cut before anything starts.
“I was quite aware that I had to come here and do the press and it seems like everytime I’m asked I say ‘we’ll see’. To be able to say that’s it, for me it’s more comfortable.
“I don’t want to be struggling with injuries every month but desperate to get over and play. I just think the rest will do me the world of good.”
O’Neill and assistant Roy Keane must now plan for the upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers without the services of the veteran centre-half while Dunne’s attention will be fully focussed on helping the Rs stay in the Premier League after last season’s promotion.
“We’ve probably seen over the games that have been played over the last while that they are trying to for themselves the best squad and the best team,” added Dunne when asked about the future of Irish football.
“I’m sure they have a clear idea now going into the campaign. They’re in a tough group but they have the players and certainly the coaching staff with all the experience they have to put us in a good position to qualify. “
Dunne’s club manager Harry Redknapp took a gamble by signing a player who hadn’t featured in a year last summer but it paid off as he made 45 appearances to help QPR make a return to the top flight via the play-offs.
“It’s his decision and whatever Richard feels,” Redknapp said. “I think he needs the break. The Premier League is another step up and the breaks throughout the season are going to be important to him to recover.
“He’s certainly been absolutely outstanding for QPR last year.”
Audio thanks to 98FM
