James McClean: Wrexham man to retire from Republic of Ireland duty
- Published
James McClean earned his 100th Republic of Ireland cap against Gibraltar in June
James McClean has said that the Republic of Ireland's friendly against New Zealand on 21 November will be his final international appearance.
McClean, who moved from Wigan to League Two Wrexham during the summer, earned his 100th Republic cap in the win over Gibraltar in June.
"I am announcing my retirement from international football at the end of the 2023 season," said the 34-year-old.
McClean said he had "spoken" to manager Stephen Kenny about his decision.
"The New Zealand match in November at the Aviva Stadium will be the last time that I will celebrate pulling on the green jersey as a player and gives me a chance to say goodbye to the best fans in the world."
The Derry man added that playing for the Republic "has meant the absolute world".
"Nothing has ever come close. I gave absolutely everything I had of myself to ensure that I did the jersey, the fans and the country proud, and know that I never took it for granted each time. I hope that showed," added McClean, who has scored 11 international goals.
"It will be heart-breaking not to be involved beyond this year, but I feel now is the right time to step aside without any regrets."
After playing for Northern Ireland at youth and under-21 level, McClean's switch of international eligibility led to him making his Republic of Ireland debut against the Czech Republic in February 2012.
McClean went on to feature for the Republic at both Euro 2012 and Euro 2016 and his appearance against Gibraltar in June saw him become only the country's seventh player to reach a century of caps, while he has made two more international appearances since then.
The Wrexham player thanked all his international managers - Giovanni Trapattoni, Martin O'Neill, Mick McCarthy and Kenny - in addition to paying tribute to his family's support during his Republic career.
Kenny will announce his squad for this month's Euro 2024 qualifiers against Greece and Gibraltar later on Thursday.