Robbie Keane will play his final game for Ireland against Oman after announcing his international retirement
ROBBIE KEANE will end his 18-year international career after Ireland play Oman next Wednesday.
The veteran striker announced his retirement in a green shirt after being selected in Martin O'Neill's Ireland squad ahead of the friendly in Dublin next week.
Ireland's leading goalscorer is set to receive an emotional farewell by the home faithful after scoring 67 times in 145 games for his country.
In a statement, Keane said: “It has been a wonderful journey for me to have played with the Irish national team for over eighteen years since I made my senior international debut back in 1998. I have enjoyed it all.
“It has also been a great honour, for both me and my family, to have been given the opportunity to captain my country for over ten years.
“As a young boy growing up in Dublin playing football on the street I could never have imagined the path my life would take – it has exceeded my wildest expectations.
“I have been extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to play for and captain my country – it was my ultimate goal all those years ago and it has been, by far, my greatest achievement.
“I would never have believed all those years ago that I would get the opportunity to play for my country 145 times and to score 67 goals and through it all, I have never stopped chasing the next one!
“I have been on the most incredible journey with the Irish team and fans over the last 18 years and words cannot express how proud I am to be Irish."
Keane then went onto thank the supporters and his family for their support throughout his illustrious career.
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Keane has played in three major tournaments for his country and will mostly be remembered for his last minute equaliser against Germany in the 2002 World Cup.
Only Keane and Brazil's Ronaldo scored against Germany keeper Oliver Kahn during that tournament.
The 26-year-old was handed his debut under Mick McCarthy at the age of 17 against Czech Republic and scored his first senior goal in October that year.
Keane was expected to call time on his international career after Euro 2016 alongside Shay Given but wanted one last swansong in a green shirt.