Liam Brady has insisted that he didn't have a problem with former Ireland manager Jack Charlton.
In a new documentary 'Liam Brady: The Irishman Abroad' which will be aired tomorrow night on RTÉ, the Arsenal and Ireland legend and pundit reveals that Charlton wrote to him after he left the squad, telling him: “I never intended to hurt you, believe that.”
Speaking in the documentary, Brady puts an end to speculation of a rift existing between the pair:
“This film gives me an opportunity to tell everybody that I didn’t have a problem with Jack," he says.
“I think I had a way I thought football should be played, and he had his way, and we differed in that. But it was a shame the way it ended up.”
In 1989 Brady was substitued after thirty minutes of a friendly game against West Germany at Landsdowne Road and decided then that it was time to step away from the Ireland fold.
“I kind of knew as I was walking off that this was the end, it was all over," he adds.
“Jack and I had words at half time, a bit of a shouting match, so I decided there and then that was it, I retired.
Liam Brady and Jack Charlton leave the pitch after the 2-2 draw with Belgium in 1986 pic.twitter.com/JdODLICnzE
— Irish Football Pics (@irish_pics) September 5, 2020
“I was out of his mind, out of his plans and out of his hair.
“Then I got this letter in the post from Jack.”
READ HERE: "Well You Can Stick It Up Your Ass!" - Liam Brady On What Inspired Him To Seek A Career In Italy
Liam Brady reads Jack Charlton note
Brady then becomes emotional as he reads a note from Charlton.
“Dear Liam, I’m sorry the way things turned out after the Germany game. I wish to thank you for what you did for me during my time with the Republic.
“I never intended to hurt you, believe that. What we talked of after the game still stands, you would be very welcome to come to Italy should we get there.
“And in your testimonial I will do all I can to help.
“I hope next time we meet you will still have a little time for me, and we might find time to repair some of the damage. This is just a quick note I felt I had to send you. All the best Liam, I hope things work out for you. Jack.”
Over thirty years on it is clear from the note and the way in which Brady reacts when he reads it, the huge amount of respect the two Irish football legends had for each other.
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