Soccer

Martin O’Neill: ‘It was one of my lifetime ambitions to take charge of Ireland’

Former manager has released a statement following his exit from the role on Wednesday

The Football Association of Ireland has announced the departure of manager Martin O’Neill and his assistant Roy Keane. Photo: Simon Cooper/PA Wire

Wed Nov 21 2018 - 17:45

After the announcement that he would be leaving his role as Ireland manager after a five year reign, Martin O’Neill has issued a statement saying he does so “with a heavy heart”, having fulfilled one of his “lifetime ambitions” by taking on the role.

In a statement released by the League Managers’ Association he said: “I have had the great honour of managing the Republic of Ireland national football team for the past five years and it is with a heavy heart that I leave this role.

“It was one of my lifetime ambitions to take charge of the Irish senior squad and I would like to thank the FAI board for giving me that opportunity.

“I will not forget the night in Lille when we beat Italy to secure the nation’s best ever achievement in the Euros competition, the terrific night we beat the world champions Germany at home in Dublin, or James McClean’s goal in that euphoric win against Wales in Cardiff that put us through to the play-offs for this year’s World Cup.

READ MORE

“The Irish fans have been a source of motivation to myself, the team and the whole backroom staff, embodying the passionate Irish spirit, and I thank them for their fervent support of the team.

“I am also very proud of the relationships I have built with the players, who have carried that very same spirit, imbued by the fans, on to the field of play.”

O’Neill added: “A special thanks to Roy Keane my assistant, an inspirational figure in the world of football, Seamus McDonagh, Steve Guppy and Steve Walford for their brilliant contributions and to those backroom staff at the FAI that were of enormous help to me.

“Knowing that the past year would be a transitional phase for the squad, I have capped 12 new players in the last nine games, with the aim that they become significant international contributors in the coming campaign.

“To the players, I reserve great praise and admiration for the phenomenal commitment they have shown whilst wearing the Irish shirt.

“Having had these great experiences in my spell as the Irish international manager, I am looking forward to my next adventure in football.”