Former Republic of Ireland international http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Shay-Given-c33284 has stated that the primary reason for his retirement from international football is his love and passion for Aston Villa, and that he now wants to focus solely on the club.
The 36-year old goalkeeper announced his retirement from international football on his official Twitter account yesterday in a move that shocked and surprised many, especially Ireland head coach http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Giovanni-c14985 Trapattoni.
The veteran goalkeeper called time on his international career after a record number of 125 appearances for the country. His retirement comes after 16 years and two major championships with the Irish national side that is currently preparing for its World
Cup qualifying campaign.
It is understood that the player had long been considering retirement, especially after Ireland’s hugely disappointing Euro 2012 campaign back in June, where the side failed to win a single match and lost in embarrassing fashion to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Spain-c3011.
Given now has stated his reasons for retirement, and says that the main factor behind his decision was his age and that he wants to put his ‘heart and soul’ into life at Villa Park.
The former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Republic-of-Ireland-c2987 number 1 spoke to Aston Villa TV yesterday afternoon and talked in detail about his eagerness to continue his performances at the domestic stage in the Aston Villa jersey.
"One of the main reasons for my decision was because I wanted to put my full heart and soul into Aston Villa. I want to give Villa everything I have.”
"Obviously I'm not getting younger but I felt it was time to concentrate on Aston Villa - to the football club, the supporters - and give my all.”
“I just felt now was the right time for someone else to take over at the start of a new campaign and for me to get my head down with Aston Villa.
"It was a tough decision because I loved playing for my country. I will miss it, there's no getting away from that. It was a huge honour.”
Given will be happy to see the arrival of new manager http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Paul-c29347 Lambert, and recent influx of Dutch talent at Villa Park from the Eredivisie is also likely to make the goalkeeper excited about the coming Premier League season. Given looks to help Villa improve
upon last season’s woeful campaign, and wishes to repay the fans back for their endless support.
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