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 and ended the 2023/24 season ROCK BOTTOM of League Two.
And following their relegation, veteran defender Keogh has decided now is the perfect time to hang up his boots.
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.
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"So after 786 appearances over 20 years, I am announcing my retirement from football.
"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.
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"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 well wishes from his followers after announcing the news.
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!"
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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 20-year playing career with a whopping 781 club appearances, in which he scored 25 goals, 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.
Keogh played 26 times for his country and scored one goal, which came in a 4-0 friendly win over Georgia in 2013.
