REPUBLIC OF IRELAND midfielder Wes Hoolahan has announced his decision to retire from international football.
The 35-year-old, who won 43 caps during his Ireland career, informed manager Martin O’Neill of the decision last week.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to make, to retire, but I feel it’s one I had to make and this is the right time to do it,” Hoolahan told The Herald.
“It’s a mixture of things that led me to make this decision but mainly age, I will be 36 soon, I’ll be 38 when the next Euros come around, so it’s time to move aside.
“I had two great campaigns with Ireland and the Euros in France was an amazing experience.
“(Martin O’Neill) knew my mind was made up and it was time to go,” he added.
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Bit young for retirement isnt he.
Delph on the shelf….
So much for early retirement. Back to work for Delph.
The place where an English footballer’s career goes to die. All the best Fabian.
I’d sit on the bench naked for 100,000 a week
He clearly has no ambition. He’s deluded talking about loyalty in professional sport, especially football. What a loser.
Maybe he’d prefer to start week in and week out and lead a team rather than be a bit part player. Loser is harsh
Fighting for a spot vs Fernando and Fernandinho…..if i were him,i’d fancy my chances
definitely. Far better player in my view..
Yeah the guy is class, he’ll do week there. Plus he has pretty much secured his financial future, not sure why there is so much begrudgery.
Hi Ron,
Have you never been to Ireland before, no?
‘Milner and loanee frank lampard the only englishmen to start more than ten games’ ……
Joe Hart?!
Harts not a field player it’s much easier to start every game in goal
True that John.
What a money grabbing shit. What game time will he see? It is only to have some English players in the squad. Surely he can see that.
He will get lost to City. Bad move!
And now we find out he’s not moving. Don’t worry, I’ve humble pie in the oven for you.
he should change his 1st name to ‘washing the’…..cos that’s all he’ll be doing from now on!!!
Personally, I think Delph is under-rated and will get a lot more game time than people expect. Granted, it hasn’t worked out for some English players at City, but there are examples of players that have done well there too- Milner and Barry both achieved a lot. By many accounts, Delph is a level headed guy who loves his football. I don’t see the problem in wanting to play with better players and having the chance of contributing to winning something.
I agree. I think he’s great player. And could feature a lot more than people think. I do think it’s ironic that the FA brings in this home grown rule so the big teams would have more english players. They do, they just have them on the bench.
Why is Milner leaving then? They wanted him to stay..
He wanted to play in a more central position
Delph plays central? He may struggle to play then..
Simple fact is he has gone as far as he can at Villa and if he wants to finish his career with medals he has to move to a bigger club. There is a huge risk that it wont work out and he wont play but any sportsman worth his salt will back himself to succeed.
As a villa fan breaks my heart to say your right. He will be sorely missed as he was head and shoulders above anyone else last season. Wish him the best. If it doesn’t work out would gladly take him back. Lot of money to turn down and i think he will surprise people with how many games he will get. Pity he didn’t stay for another season but its his choice and just look at his wages.
Welcome back!! Never doubted his loyalty for a minute!!
Stupid boy
I take it he didn’t bother asking Adam Johnson, Scott Sinclair or Jack Rodwell for their opinion then
I remember him in January doing an interview on Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports after signing his new contract and all panel were saying how great he was by sticking with club and not chasing the money and etc but while really he signed a contract knowing he could leave for cheap in the summer.. He just another Rodwell or Sinclair will be wasted career.. Great money tho
You’re right. He should have gone to Liverpool United and not win anything in his career.
He won’t win nothing with city either you need a certain amount games to win medals..
Not anymore the club is allocated 40 medals for players and staff to do with as they like
Well he is staying at Villa well done to him..
Failed his medical then…
A snip at €8 million. Excellent young midfielder. Just because other players didn’t take their chance doesn’t mean Delph won’t be a success. Plus City’s midfield is hardly world class at the moment so he’ll definitely get game time.
Vile club , seriously just buying random player’s they don’t want or need so they can fill the quota. Soul is gone from the sport.
Don’t choke on them lemons will you.
Villa just released a statement on the matter. He’s staying put. http://mobile.avfc.co.uk/default.aspx?s=news-display&aid=4856901
and now you’ve changed the article so most of our comments look silly…
Money money money, give me money and I’m happy warming the bench……..just watch that ass grow fabien
ass will grow if he keeps his wallet in his arse pocket as well
Good for him.
Sickened but hes earned his move. Worked hard been standout player to Villa in last 2 years. Well on par with Benteke. I wish him all the best.
Fair play to him don’t take the 30 pieces of silver!
another Scott Sinclair, Jack Rodwell
He’ll now get a regular gme for England, and play about 6 league cup games a year out of position at left back / wing. Such a waste of a good player.
If he has done it for the right reasons then fair play to him.
like anyone here wouldnt do the same
Can’t blame him for leaving, Villa have been a shambles and would have been relegated over each of the last few seasons with Benteke dragging them over the line and he’s out the door too… 8mil tho for a English international heading into his prime is a bit of a rob considering what Villa paid for him and some of the fees floating around.
think ye forgot about joe hart there lads