On This Day in 2005: Roy Keane retires from international football
Keane made a total of 67 appearances for the Republic of Ireland, scoring nine goals.
Roy Keane announced his retirement from international football on this day in 2005 after the Republic of Ireland failed to qualify for the World Cup.
Former Manchester United midfielder Keane confirmed his decision two days after Ireland’s 0-0 home draw against Switzerland in their final qualifying match had left them fourth in their group.
Keane, who had missed the game in Dublin through injury, said the time had come for him “to concentrate on domestic football”.
It was the second time he had retired from the international scene, the first being in 2002 following his bust-up with then manager Mick McCarthy at the 2002 World Cup finals.
Keane’s last appearance for his country was in September 2005, in a 1-0 World Cup qualifying defeat to France at Landsdowne Road.
He made a total of 67 appearances for Ireland following his debut under former boss Jack Charlton in a 1-1 friendly draw against Chile in 1991 and scored nine goals.
