Soccer

Former Ireland captain Richard Keogh retires from football

The 37-year-old hangs up his boots after 786 appearances over 20 years for club and country

Richard Keogh will miss the remainder of the season. Photograph: Laszlo Geczo/Inpho
Richard Keogh will miss the remainder of the season. Photograph: Laszlo Geczo/Inpho
Fri May 03 2024 - 15:13

Former Republic of Ireland international Richard Keogh has announced his retirement from football aged 37.

The centre-back played 786 times for his country and clubs across England, and one short loan to Iceland, over 20 years.

At club level, he is best known for playing for Derby County, where he played 356 matches over eight seasons, and was twice the club’s Player of the Year.

Keogh said in a statement his “ultimate honour” was wearing the captain’s armband for Ireland, as he represented his country 26 times from 2013 to 2019. Arguably his greatest moment was when he was named man of the match in Ireland’s 2-0 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Euro 2016 playoff, and started in the games against Italy and France in the tournament.

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“To represent the green jersey was the impossible dream and to play in a major tournament [Euro 2016] was the dream come true. The camaraderie, the matches, the shared moments with fans – these are memories that will stay with me forever,” he said.

“My career surpassed all my expectations, full of unforgettable moments that not only made me a better player but also a better person.”

Keogh said he is looking forward to the next chapter, where he is fully focused on coaching.