James McClean has called time on his international football career.
The Derry-born player announced on Thursday that the Republic of Ireland's friendly against New Zealand next month will be his final international appearance.
It comes just months after the 34-year-old earned his 100th Republic cap in the win over Gibraltar in June.
McClean, who currently is with League Two side Wrexham, said that playing for the Republic had "meant the absolute world" and that "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," he said.
"I hope that showed.
“When he came into the first team and started earning a wee bit of money, all he would buy was football boots."
— Irish News Sport (@irishnewssport) October 5, 2023
Archive: The early years of Republic of Ireland legend James McClean via @irishnewssport https://t.co/ZNWvMneZeK
"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."
Read more:
- James McClean announces plan to retire from Republic of Ireland duty
- James McClean: A career lived in the public spotlight
- James McClean on 11 years of abuse over poppy row: 'I found out very quickly that you do this alone'
Making his debut for the Republic in 2012 after switching from Northern Ireland, McClean went on to enjoy a successful career, which saw him score 11 international goals.
He played at the both Euro 2012 and Euro 2016 and become only the Republic's seventh player to reach a century of caps.
Often making news headlines for his off-the-pitch activity or comments, he has also been the subject of shocking abuse throughout his career.
He and his wife Erin have previously shared screenshots of some of the abuse they have been subjected to.
McClean had said he had even considered retirement in light of the abuse.
He also recently opened up about his autism diagnosis on The Late Late Show with new presenter Patrick Kielty.
He said he is “proud” to be on the spectrum.
McClean spoke about his six-year-old daughter who has autism and said that his life had “completely changed for the better” since her birth.
He also mentioned that she was the reason he got tested himself and said: “I was hesitant for a while about going and getting tested and getting a diagnosis because obviously, the job I do, it would just be ammunition to give people.
“But I just thought, you know what, I’m doing this for my daughter. If it helps me get a better understanding of her.
“I went and done the test and it came back that I’m also on the spectrum and I’m proud of it."
