With rumours circulating in recent weeks that John O'Shea was planning to announce his retirement, the Football Association of Ireland have today confirmed that the Waterford-born man is to call it a day - for Ireland at least.
Having amassed 117-international caps, O'Shea's international career began in 2001 in a game against Croatia at the old Lansdowne Road. Enjoying a stellar club career with Manchester United, O'Shea represented Ireland at the European Championships in 2012 and 2016.
Speaking today of the the 37-year-old's international career, Ireland boss Martin O'Neill was keen to praise O'Shea's impact:
John has had a great career internationally and played at the very top at club level with Manchester United, where he won a lot of trophies.
For any player to get over 100 caps is a magnificent feat and he can be very proud of that achievement. I will always remember John's goal away to Germany in Gelsenkirchen. He doesn't score too many goals so that made it even more special.
I wish John the very best for the future and I'm sure he will become an excellent coach. And if he wants to I'm sure he has the capabilities of becoming a manager too.
Fellow Waterford man and the FAI's CEO John Delaney commended O'Shea's achievements, and detailed how the association planned to celebrate his 16-year international career:
We have been very fortunate to have had some truly outstanding servants pull on the Republic of Ireland jersey and John O'Shea is most definitely one of those. When you watched him play it was clear to see how much it meant to him to be representing his country and that kind of commitment inspired players and supporters across many generations.
A proud Waterford man, who was given a great introduction to football by Ferrybank and Waterford Bohemians, John always gave everything for Ireland and that is evidenced by the fact that he played international football for 17 consecutive years. That is a remarkable achievement and explains why he has always been a firm favourite amongst the Ireland supporters.
John is one of the most decorated Irish players of the modern era due to his tremendous success with Manchester United, but he will be known more for his leadership - on and off the pitch. Whether it was with Sunderland or Ireland, John led by example and others followed. Just like his father, Jim, who was a gentleman, John has and always will be a passionate supporter of Irish football.
We will pay tribute to John at the United States game on June 2. I hope the Ireland supporters will turn out in force to give a deserved send-off to one of the most committed players ever to pull on the green jersey.
A wonderful tribute for one of Ireland's most capped internationals, Robbie Keane and Shay Given remain the only players to have played more games for Ireland than O'Shea.
You can read O'Shea open letter announcing his international retirement here.
