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Republic of Ireland winger James McClean has announced his \u201cheartbreaking\u201d decision to retire from international football at the end of the year.<\/p>\n
The 34-year-old has earned 102 caps for his country, reaching his century in a 3-0 Euro 2024 qualifier victory over Gibraltar in June.<\/p>\n
McClean \u2013 currently his country\u2019s joint fifth most-capped player \u2013 has scored 11 goals wearing the green jersey and plans to make his final appearance for Stephen Kenny\u2019s side in their November 21 friendly against New Zealand.<\/p>\n
Explaining his decision on social media, McClean wrote: \u201cOn February 20th 2012, I received my first call-up to represent my country.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn all honestly, hand on heart, there are no words that could do justice to that feeling. Since then, 102 caps, 11 goals and two European Championships.<\/p>\n
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\u201cNow, 11 years later, I have come to a point, one that truth be told you never think is going to come but here we are, where I am announcing my retirement from international football at the end of the 2023 season.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe New Zealand match will be the last time that I will celebrate pulling on the green jersey as a player and give me a chance to say goodbye to the best fans in the world.<\/p>\n
It will be heartbreaking not to be involved beyond this year, but I feel now is the right time to step aside without any regrets<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has the meant the absolute world and more to be able to pull on the green jersey with honour, step out onto a football pitch \u2013 especially at the Aviva Stadium \u2013 to represent our great country, standing singing Amhran na bhFiann ready to go out into battle with your fellow countrymen.<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing has ever come close. I gave absolutely everything I had of myself to ensure that I did the jersey, the fans and the country proud, and know that I never took it for granted each time. I hope that showed.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will be heartbreaking not to be involved beyond this year, but I feel now is the right time to step aside without any regrets.<\/p>\n
\u201cI lived my own and every young Irish footballer\u2019s dream \u2013 and represented this country with pride.\u201d<\/p>\n
McClean also thanked his managers, team-mates and staff, fans and wife Erin before concluding: \u201cThank you, Ireland \u2013 it\u2019s been the biggest privilege and as always, an honour.\u201d<\/p>\n
Derry-born McClean joined League Two side Wrexham in August from Wigan on a one-season contract with an option for extension.<\/p>\n
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He has been the subject of controversy and abuse, particularly following his decision in 2012 to refuse to wear a poppy as part of Remembrance Day commemorations whilst playing for Sunderland.<\/p>\n
While he began his international career with Northern Ireland as a junior, McClean ultimately decided to play for the Republic at senior level and made his debut in February 2012, when he came on as a late substitute in a friendly against the Czech Republic.<\/p>\n