Robbie Keane bid an emotional farewell to the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday in his final match for the Irish national team.
Keane scored his 68th career international goal and went 56 minutes in Ireland’s 4-0 victory over Oman in Dublin. The match was Keane’s 146th appearance for the Republic of Ireland.
“It’s an emotional week for me and the family. All I can say is thank you to everyone for coming out and supporting me. Thanks to a wonderful 18 years. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” Keane said after the match. “I was a fan when I was 17 years old and I made my debut. Now I’ll be a fan in the stands watching this team go forward with a great management staff. I wish them well.”
The 36-year-old notched his final goal in an Ireland kit in the 29th minute when he received a pass in the penalty area and then chipped the ball over a defender before unleashing a right-footed blast into the back of the net. Keane finishes his 18-year international career tied with German soccer legend Gerd Müller for 14th place among international soccer’s all-time leading goal scorers.
“I can feel that management staff and players were desperate to score one last time,” Keane said. “I’m delighted that I got the goal and finish up on a high with this fantastic group of players, fantastic management staff and to the best fans in the world. I just want to say thank you very much.”
