Dublin GAA superstar Stephen Cluxton, 39, has decided to step away from the six-in-row winning team.
However, the Boys in Blue boss, Dessie Farrell said that Cluxton would not be retiring, but he has asked to be given time to consider his future with Dublin.
He believes that the goalkeeper deserves respect and time to make up his mind about his future with the team that he captains.
He said: “The situation is simple, Stephen isn’t with us at the moment.
“He’s gone back to his club (Parnells) and he’s taking time to heal the body and maybe to regenerate the appetite.
“I don’t know to be honest if Stephen will be back or not but he’s not retired and he’s just stepped away.
“We spoke about it as a group, given the services he’s provided over the years he deserves that respect and the time and space to make up his mind.”
Cluxton was not a part of the Dubs' matchday squad for their unconvincing opening Leinster championship victory at Chadwicks Wexford Park.
He was rated as arguably the most influential inter-county player of the past two decades but was not involved in the Dubs' League campaign and Evan Comerford played between the posts in the eight-point win.
The Parnells goalkeeper is back playing for his club.
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