Former Tottenham and Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane has announced his retirement as a player.
The 38-year-old captained his country for a decade and scored 325 goals in 737 appearances for 10 different clubs during a 23-year playing career.
'Today, after 23 wonderful years, I am formally announcing my retirement as a professional footballer,' Keane said in a statement.
'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.
'It has exceeded all the hopes I had as a football-mad boy growing up in Dublin.'
Keane played for the likes of Wolves, Tottenham, Inter Milan, Leeds, Liverpool and LA Galaxy after arriving in England aged 15.
Around a third of Keane's club goals came during two spells with Spurs, whom he helped lift the League Cup in 2008.
He is also the Republic's all-time leading scorer, netting 68 goals in 146 appearances before retiring from international football in 2016.
The Republic's new manager Mick McCarthy appointed Keane as his assistant last week alongside Terry Connor following the recent departure of Martin O'Neill.
'To all those who believed in me, supported me and picked me up when I needed a hand, you can never know how much that has all meant,' Keane added. 'It was an honour to represent you.'
Longlife2000
352
Former Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane has announced his retirement from professional football. The forward is his country's record-holder for both caps (146) and goals (68). Thanks for the memories, Robbie!
courtlow
237
Respect robbie kean for all those years of playing expically at spurs you are a true professional. ...
wozenme
135
Over and out ๐ Robbie Keane retires with 68 goals in 146 intentional games ๐๐๐
gramme
88
Ratio of 0.46 tells you all that you need to know about Keane. Usually I am reticent to point out someones flaws but the fawning over Keane is OTT. I believe that Ireland would have qualified for more tournaments and done better in them had Keane been more of a team player. For instance when Ireland were often on the break and Keane had the ball instead of passing it in front of the player breaking forward on goal Keane would pass it behind them, forcing them to stop to collect the ball so that Keane could then run into the more offensive position. His regressive passes to team mates in these positions allowed more defenders back to cover and the opportunity to finish the breaking move with a goal had passed, just so that Keane could be the one to get the opportunity of a goal. I've seen Keane do this on countless occasions and it cost Ireland many times. Otherwise Keane is a good player but this aspect of his game repeatedly infuriated me over the years watching Ireland.