There was an end of an era in Irish soccer earlier today as former Republic left-back Ian Harte announced that he was calling it a day.
The defender, who turns 38 very soon, was let go by Bournemouth at the end of last season and tonight he told Off The Ball that retirement had been in his thoughts for the past 4-5 months.
It caps off a career which saw him gain a reputation for pinpoint free-kicks, a run to the Champions League semi-finals with Leeds United and also become an integral part of an Ireland side which reached the last-16 of the 2002 World Cup.
But he did not win another Ireland cap after Euro 2008 qualifying and was ignored by the Giovanni Trapattoni regime.
"You were always hoping [to get back in]. Anytime or opportunity I had to play for my country, I absolutely loved it," the Drogheda native told us.
"I know people will always remember the penalty I missed against Spain [at the World Cup] but it's just one of them things. I was absolutely devastated that I missed the penalty. I was always hoping I'd get the opportunity under Mr Trapattoni but it wasn't to be. But as an Irish lad from Drogheda, I always wished the Irish team well."
Ian Harte ©INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan
He also added that former Ireland manager Brian Kerr had thought that Harte had erred by going to Spain in 2004, but was grateful when Kerr brought him back into the international fold.
But he was disappointed by Trap's view of him.
"I was always gutted when Trap was the manager bringing lads over from England who were English lads coming to play for Ireland, but me being an Irish lad, I don't think he realised at the time that I was an Irish lad from Drogheda. It's just one of things. You've got to move on," he said.
Harte reflected on the good times at Leeds United before the downturn there as well as the enjoyable period at Spanish side Levante.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
