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After Ireland failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, captain Roy Keane announced the end of his career in the national team.
"Like all the national team fans, I am disappointed that Ireland did not qualify for the World Cup," Keane said. "I think it's time to end my career in the national team and focus on playing for my club."
This is the second time the 34-year-old Irishman has announced his withdrawal from the national team - before the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, he left the Irish camp due to disagreements with the team management.
The Irish national team, after playing a goalless draw with Switzerland in their last qualifier, finished fourth in the group in their quest for the World Cup.
During his fourteen years in the national team, Keane represented his country 66 times, scoring nine goals.
As we have previously reported, the "Man Utd" defensive midfielder is ready to leave the Red Devils after the season and "play elsewhere for at least a year, maybe even in another country."
