Tributes paid to Daryl Murphy as he announces retirement from international football
: The FAI, Martin O'Neill and fans have been paying tribute to Daryl Murphy following his decision to retire from international football.
Murphy announced his decision on Twitter this morning:
Martin O'Neill said: "Daryl did really well in the couple of years that I worked with him in the international set-up and he was always very professional.
"He got to play in two very big matches at Euro 2016 and I'm sure the Italian game in Lille will be a big memory for him when he looks back on his days with Ireland.
"I wish him all of the best, not just at club level, but whatever he chooses to do after that."
Daryl Murphy has today announced his retirement from international football. Murphy's international career ended with 33 caps and 3 goals. Here is a look back at his two memorable goals in the Aviva Stadium last October against Moldova! #ThankYouDaryl #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/gAM9gPxEr3
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) January 27, 2018
FAI CEO John Delaney feels that Murphy, who is still playing club football with Nottingham Forest in England, deserves any plaudits that come his way for his performances in an Ireland jersey.
"Daryl can be extremely proud of his international career with Ireland. From a young lad with Southend United in his native Waterford through to playing at EURO 2016, he went a long way and proved that he could compete on the biggest stage," said Delaney.
"It is a huge privilege to represent your country and Daryl always appreciated that. You could see how much it meant to him to play for Ireland - even when he had a six-year gap between caps; he never lost that desire to do his very best.
"It should not be forgotten that he also excelled in the League of Ireland with Waterford United before earning a move to Sunderland. That period helped to shape his senior career and I know that he is very proud of his roots.
"We would like to pay tribute to Daryl at the Aviva Stadium for his contribution to Irish football, at a time that is appropriate for him. Daryl and his family are welcome back to the Aviva Stadium at any time."
Fans have also taken to social media to thank Murphy for his years in the green jersey.
Big Daryl Murphy retires from International football 😢 Many a Game I travelled to the Aviva to watch him play in the Hope he'd Score, Had to Wait until his last Qualifier to See a Brace. Having seen him play for Waterford to the Career he has now. Delighted for him, a Gent 👏👏 https://t.co/KO3JnHiwkk
— Tommy P (@Goonerboi82) January 27, 2018
Sorry to see Daryl Murphy announce his retirement from international football. He have been a great friend going back over a decade. Keep playing for your club and enjoy it. Cheers mate see you again hopefully.
— Dick Redmond (@kitmandick) January 27, 2018
Daryl Murphy retires from international football . Was overlooked for far too long especially when he was scoring for fun a few seasons back . Wished he scored against France at euros but lloris made a world class save . Always gave 100% #itfc #coybig 🇮🇪
— Mark Dowling ☘️ (@Ipswichmark) January 27, 2018
The 34-year-old Nottingham Forest striker, who scored both goals in Ireland’s 2-nil win over Moldova in October last year, says it was a ’really tough decision’ but feels ’the time is right’.
Waterford-native Murphy has opted to end his international career because manager Martin O’Neill intends to use younger players in the qualifying campaign for Euro 2020.
