Richard Keogh has retired from playing football aged 37
Former Ireland defender Richard Keogh has confirmed he will retire after a proud career that saw him play club football for 20 seasons and also win 26 caps, with the career highlight for him captaining the national team.
Keogh (37) lined out for Forest Green Rovers in the current season but was unable to prevent their relegation from the Football League and he has now opted to hang up the boots.
In his time, Keogh played for Bristol City, Carlisle United, Coventry City, Derby County, MK Dons, Huddersfield Town, Blackpool, Ipswich Town, Wycombe and Forest Green.
Capped at U-21 level he made his senior debut in 2013 under Giovanni Trapattoni and within a year of that first cap was named as captain in a home game against Oman in 2014.
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He was captain again for the last friendly before Euro 2016, at home against Belarus. He played in the finals in France, against Italy and France.
“I wish I could play on forever, but we all knew this day would come. So after 786 appearances over 20 years, I am announcing my retirement from football,” Keogh said in a social media post today.
“My career surpassed all my expectations, full of unforgettable moments that not only made me a better player but a better person.
“Wearing the captain’s armband for Ireland was the ultimate honour. To represent the green jersey was the impossible dream and to play in a major tournament was a dream come true.
“The camaraderie, the matches, the shared moments with fans, these are moments that will stay with me forever. I look forward to the next chapter, where I am fully focussed on taking my next step into coaching.”