David McGoldrick says it was an ‘honour and a privilege’ to play for Ireland.
The Sheffield United forward dropped a bombshell on the Irish squad last night by announcing his international retirement.
It came ahead of Stephen Kenny’s squad announcement this afternoon for the upcoming games against England, Wales and Bulgaria.
McGoldrick, who turns 33 next month and will be 35 at the next World Cup, wants to focus on club and family commitments.
He broke his silence in a brief statement and said: "I was honoured and privileged to play for Ireland and the memories will last me a lifetime.
"But now the time is right to concentrate on club football and the Premier League, which I've strived to play in for the entirety of my career."
McGoldrick won just 14 caps - scoring one goal - since making his debut under Martin O’Neill in 2014.
But he was set to play a prominent role under Kenny who has raved about the current FAI Player of the Year's ability to link the play in attack.
Last month’s failure to qualify for Euro 2020 may have fast-tracked McGoldrick’s decision.
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder today insisted that he put no pressure on McGoldrick to call it quits.
Wilder said: "There was no influence on that at all. David is a sensible guy and a big player for us. He's had a few fitness issues at the start of the season.
“He made the decision. It’s an obvious benefit for us that he’s with us and can concentrate on his club career.”
And Wilder added: “He’s given so much to this football club and there’s so much more for him to do.”
