International retirement not on Keane's mind

Robbie Keane has said that he has no intention of retiring from international football and insists that he will not hesitate to do so when he feels he can no longer contribute to the team.

The 33-year-old plans to play on for “as long as possible” and confirmed today that he has agreed a new contract with LA Galaxy.

After Ireland’s failure to qualify for next year’s World Cup there was speculation that Keane, along with some other senior players, would call it quits on his international career.

However, the Tallaght man has ruled out any plans of retirement saying he would only do so when his “legs are gone.” Keane also has no plans to give up his role as captain of the side after being selected by Martin O’Neill to remain on as skipper for the upcoming two friendlies against Latvia and Poland.

Ireland’s record goalscorer said: “I want to play as long as I can but I'm not daft. I'm 33 years of age and next time the Euros come around; ultimately it's the manager's choice [about the captaincy]. If I keep playing well and scoring goals, then there's no problem but, if I feel my legs are gone, then I'll pack it in.”

“At the moment I feel good, I have a few niggles which I have had in the past and I will look at that but I will continue as long as I can,” he continued.

Keane was also is good spirits about his new contract which he has recently agreed with LA Galaxy. Keane left Tottenham Hotspur to join the American side in 2011 and has no agreed a new long term deal.

“I haven't signed it yet but it is verbally agreed, two and possibly three years,” said Keane. “I am excited about that. Usually when you hit the 30-mark you get a one-year rolling contract to see how you are, so it goes to show the faith they have in me to give me that contract, and I will play on as long as I feel healthy and fit.”