Roy Keane announced his retirement from international football on this day in 2005 following Republic of Ireland’s failure to qualify for the following year’s World Cup in Germany.
The Manchester United midfielder’s decision came two days after his country’s goalless draw with Switzerland left them fourth in their qualifying group.
Then aged 34, Keane had scored nine goals in 67 Ireland appearances, having made his international debut in a 1-1 friendly draw against Chile under Jack Charlton in May 1991.