Curtain falls on Finnan's Ireland career
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Article summary
The Republic of Ireland's Liverpool FC defender Steve Finnan has announced his retirement from international football after winning 50 caps.
Article body
Republic of Ireland defender Steve Finnan has announced his retirement from international football with immediate effect.
Half-century
The 31-year-old Liverpool FC right-back, who debuted against Greece in April 2000 and helped Ireland to the last 16 of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, won his 50th and final cap in the 2-2 draw in Wales with which the Republic concluded their UEFA EURO 2008™ campaign.
World Cup highlight
"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Ireland team, with the World Cup in 2002 being the highlight," said Finnan. "But I'll be 34 when the next tournament comes around so it's the right time to step down. There will be a new manager coming in who will have his own ideas for the future, with younger players having the chance to stake their claim."