Shay Given earned the tribute "legend" from the Football Association of Ireland after the goalkeeper announced his retirement from international football yesterday after a 20-year career
Shay Given, Ireland goalkeeper, Football Association, Russia
London: Shay Given earned the tribute "legend" from the Football Association of Ireland after the goalkeeper announced his retirement from international football yesterday after a 20-year career.
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Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given
The 40-year-old —capped 134 times — made his first appearance for his country against Russia in 1996 and played at the 2002 World Cup, where they reached the last 16, Euro 2012 and Euro 2016.
"I was lucky to play for Ireland. Now, it’s time to hang up the gloves and move from the onion bag to the terraces, where I’ll be shouting the lads on as one of Ireland's biggest fans," wrote Given on his Twitter page.
Stoke City ’keeper Given, who played for Newcastle, Aston Villa and Manchester City, had his career neatly summed up by the Ireland football federation (FAI). "11,121 minutes played. 134 caps. 52 clean sheets. 3 major tournaments. 1 Shay Given #legend," tweeted the FAI yesterday.