James McClean’s decision to retire from Republic or Ireland duty is surely a bittersweet one, but one that could be a huge positive for Wrexham.
Wrexham midfielder James McClean has announced his plans to retire from international football on social media.
The Republic of Ireland international says the friendly against New Zealand on 21 November will be his final international game for his country.
James McC;ean announces ‘heart-breaking’ plan to retire from international football
McClean was born in Derry and started his international career with Northern Ireland. However, he made his senior debut for the Republic of Ireland in 2012 after coming on as a late substitute in a friendly against the Czech Republic.
Since then he has scored 11 goals and is currently his country’s joint fifth most-capped player with 102 caps. He also featured for the Republic at both Euro 2012 and Euro 2016
Explaining his decision on social media, McClean wrote: “On February 20th 2012, I received my first call-up to represent my country.
“In all honestly, hand on heart, there are no words that could do justice to that feeling. Since then, 102 caps, 11 goals and two European Championships.
“Now, 11 years later, I have come to a point, one that truth be told you never think is going to come but here we are, where I am announcing my retirement from international football at the end of the 2023 season.
“The New Zealand match will be the last time that I will celebrate pulling on the green jersey as a player and give me a chance to say goodbye to the best fans in the world.
“It has the meant the absolute world and more to be able to pull on the green jersey with honour, step out onto a football pitch – especially at the Aviva Stadium – to represent our great country, standing singing Amhran na bhFiann ready to go out into battle with your fellow countrymen.
“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.
“It will be heartbreaking not to be involved beyond this year, but I feel now is the right time to step aside without any regrets.
“I lived my own and every young Irish footballer’s dream – and represented this country with pride.”
McClean also thanked his family, managers, team-mates and staff, and fans before adding: Thank you, Ireland – it’s been the biggest privilege and as always, an honour.”
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson calls it a ‘big call’
It’s undoubtedly a huge call for McClean. Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson echoed that sentiment, calling James’ decision a ‘big call’.
“It’s a decision which has been on his mind for a while and it’s a big call for him and his family,” Parkinson said.
“He’s a very proud Irishman and every game is a big occasion when all your family can come and watch, and it’s been a massive part of his and his family’s life.
“There has been a lot of thinking for him to do over the last few weeks but he’s come to the decision.
“I had a good chat with him this morning and it’s probably the right time that he can now bow out with 100 caps under his belt and with his reputation firmly intact.
“To reach 100 caps puts him in a very elite band of international players.”
James McClean’s decision could be a huge plus for Wrexham
While it’s a bittersweet day, Wrexham are probably the biggest beneficiaries of James’s decision. The 34-year-old has made six League Two appearances for the club this season, and scored a vital injury-time equalizer against Crewe recently to clinch a 3-3 draw.
McClean’s decision to retire from international football means he can focus solely on Wrexham now and put all of his efforts into the Reds. Rest and recovery is huge for players as they get older, and now James will have the international breaks and summers to recoup so he’s 100% ready to go for the Dragons.
He is by far Wrexham’s most experienced player, representing his country 102 times while playing in the Premier League for the likes of Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion.
His decision to retire from international football should now prolong his club career and that can only be a good thing for Wrexham.