Wrexham star James McClean fell short of getting his Hollywood ending as he bowed out of Republic of Ireland duty with a draw against New Zealand.
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Ireland held to a 1-1 drawMcClean called his time on international dutyIrish FA shared tear-jerking tributeWHAT HAPPENED?
The 34-year-old soaked in the applause after the 1-1 draw against the Kiwis at the Aviva Stadium for the final time as he hung up his international boots on Tuesday. Adam Idah opened the scoring for Stephen Kenny's men but Matthew Garbett erased the deficit just before the hour mark to spoil McClean's farewell match in front of his own fans.
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To mark the occasion, the Irish FA shared a tear-jerking video encapsulating several special moments in his career, right from his debut to a few of his memorable goals in a green shit.
Getty ImagesWHAT MCCLEAN SAID AFTER HIS RETIREMENT
Speaking to RTE after the match, McClean said: "It was special and I've never had a doubt about the support I've got in this stadium. It's been absolutely phenomenal from the moment I stepped onto the pitch in 2012. They've been top class and it's a shame we couldn't end on a win. I won't dwell on that. I enjoyed the night for what it was. There were a few special moments made tonight."
When pressed if he was content to bow out at this stage of his career he added: "It is over. Like I've said, for whatever reasons I am calling it a day I think it is the right time. I've no regrets. People have been saying I would have been teared up or been emotional or crying, but I look back on it with so much happiness. There's no need to cry or get emotional. I've lived an absolute dream and loved every minute. I've had the time of my life."
WHAT NEXT FOR MCCLEAN?
After scoring 11 goals in 103 appearances, McClean decided to quit from Ireland duty. However, he continues to be an integral member of the Wrexham squad and will be back in action against Morecambe on November 25 in League Two.