John O'Shea to continue club career with Reading following international retirement

Republic of Ireland centurion Josh O'Shea has signed a one-year deal with Reading after parting company with relegated Sunderland.

The 37-year-old has departed the Stadium of Light on an unhappy note as his seven-year spell at the club finished with consecutive demotions to League One.

The 118-capped defender played his final game for his country on Saturday – a 2-1 win over the United States – but has opted to carry on at club level for at least one more year.

In 12 years at Manchester United, O'Shea won every trophy available to him, including five Premier Leagues and the Champions League.

O'Shea and Reading manager Paul Clement have worked together before, when Clement was working under Don Givens with Ireland under-21s and took temporary charge of the national team.

“I'm very familiar with some current players and some former players at Reading, who've done very well, and I was able to speak to them,” O'Shea told the club's official website.

“It was all very positive, so I'm looking forward to getting started now. There are some exciting players, some good young players, I'm hoping to pass on my experience to.

“But also help out on the pitch – first and foremost, that's the most important thing.”

Clement said: “John has played and won at the very highest level – he has won five Premier League titles, been part of a European Cup-winning side and earned 118 caps for his country.

“He will bring us fantastic levels of experience and proven leadership qualities.”

“We looked very carefully at John’s recent playing statistics and he played a total of 40 games for Sunderland last season.

“He is still incredibly fit and a hugely motivated individual. So we look forward to him being a big contributor out on the pitch next season.”

O'Shea will be joined at the Madjeski Stadium by another Ireland international in David Meyler, who signed a two-year deal with an option of a third.