James McClean retires with a smile after 'time of my life'

"Special" was how James McClean described his final night in a Republic of Ireland jersey as the Derry native brought an 11-year international career to an end at the Aviva Stadium.

The Boys in Green drew 1-1 with New Zealand in a game which also might prove to be manager Stephen Kenny's last, but McClean was able to go out on his own terms in Dublin.

"It was special," he told RTÉ Sport afterwards. "I never had to doubt the support that I've got here in this stadium. It's been phenomenal from the second I stepped on the pitch in 2012 to now.

"They've been top class but it's just a shame that it couldn't end on a win. I won't dwell on that, I enjoyed the night for what it was and I've had a few special memories made tonight."

"I look back on it with so much happiness. There's no need to cry."

James McClean reflects on a stellar career in the green jersey.