RICHARD KEOGH has announced his retirement – just days after Forest Green Rovers’ relegation to the National League.
Rovers slipped out of the Football League last month after a seven-year stay ad have ended the season ROCK BOTTOM of League Two.
REXRichard Keogh has announced his retirement[/caption]
And following their relegation, veteran defender Keogh has decided now is the perfect time to hang up his boot.
In a lengthy X post, he wrote: “Thank you for the memories.
“I wish I could play on forever, but we all knew this day would come.
“So after 786 appearances over 20 years, I am announcing my retirement from football,” Keogh said in a social media post today.
“My career surpassed all my expectations, full of unforgettable moments that not only made me a better player but a better person.
“Wearing the captain’s armband for Ireland was the ultimate honour. To represent the green jersey was the impossible dream and to play in a major tournament was a dream come true.
“The camaraderie, the matches, the shared moments with fans, these are moments that will stay with me forever.
“I look forward to the next chapter, where I am fully focussed on taking my next step into coaching.”
Keogh – who twice captained the Republic of Ireland – was inundated with messages of well wishes from his followers.
One wrote: “Gutted to hear that, all the best and thank you for the memories at Derby.”
Another said: “Good luck in the next chapter!”
And another said: “Huge shame how it ended at our club. Wish you all the best.”
One remarked: “Good luck in your next chapter mate.”
Keogh ends his playing career with a whopping 781 appearances to his name.
The versatile defender amassed the impressive haul thanks to spells at Stoke City, Víkingur, Bristol City Wycombe Wanderers, Huddersfield Town, Carlisle United, Cheltenham Town, Derby County, MK Dons, Blackpool, Ipswich Town and Forest Green Rovers.
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