The Cobh native, who met with a journalist from So Foot magazine, was quoted as saying: "I don’t care about Ireland. I really don’t know whether I will ever go back there one day. I’d rather shoot myself than live in Cork. I prefer Los Angeles."

However, Ireland today issued a statement saying some of his comments had been taken out of context and apologising to anyone offended by them.

"I'm upset with what has been printed this morning because I feel like I've been portrayed in the wrong way," read a statement from Ireland, issued by his agent.

"I was misquoted and things have been blown way out of proportion. That is the reason why I feel like I needed to say something because the quotes are very unfair.

"What I said during the interview has been twisted to sound particularly blunt and a lot of what was written about my hometown of Cork - which me and my family visit regularly - was just plain ridiculous.

"The comments regarding Birmingham were also taken way out of context as I had only been at Villa a few months and didn't even live there so I have no idea what Birmingham is like to live in and everyone I have met from Birmingham has been nice, my girlfriend's father is from Birmingham so why would I say that, it's just crazy.

"I can only apologise if anyone was offended, but the way the interview was written made me sound very harsh, and I am not that kind of person."

Ireland is said to have described Birmingham as a “crap” city, and said he would rather shoot himself than live in Cork.

The interview also includes comments claiming he has no interest in playing international football for the Republic of Ireland again despite several attempts by manager Giovanni Trapattoni to tempt him to return.

Ireland has spoken previously of his frustration at the treatment he received at the hands of Mancini and Houllier.