DONEGAL’S Seamus Coleman expressed that a discussion with Heimir Hallgrimsson led him to prolong his international career with the Republic of Ireland.
The Killybegs native has recently ended his time as a player at Everton following a 17-year stint at the Merseyside club since his move from Sligo Rovers.
When it was announced that Coleman would be leaving the Toffees at the end of the season, manager David Moyes said that he’d be offered various roles within the club but stated that he was eager to continue playing for his country.
Where the Donegal man will end up next season is still unknown but he stated that he’s looking forward to the pair of international fixtures for Ireland and a holiday with his family.
“I have always said in my career, family first, football second, they are the only two things going for me, family and football.
“I am looking forward to these two Ireland games and am looking forward to going on holiday, but in football, you never know what will happen. Just see what is next, if it feels right or if it doesn’t.”
When Ireland took to the field to face North Macedonia in an international friendly following their World Cup play-off disappointment against Czechia, the Donegal defender walked onto the pitch pre-match with his three children- Lily, Blake, and Ellie.
This moment sparked some speculation as to whether it would be the last time that we see the Killybegs man in a green jersey.
However, a discussion with manager Heimir Hallgrimsson about his desire to have the Killybegs man around the camp has led Coleman to think about his future.
“I think it was just a conversation with the manager on the bus, just after training one day that got me thinking again.
“I wasn’t necessarily thinking about it (international retirement), but I also know I have a responsibility to stay fit and stay active and to be performing, because it is not a given, of course.
“That is why I am not dead set on what I am going to do, I am going to take my holiday and see what’s out there, but the carrot of the Euros (2028) and the manager at the moment wanting me to be around is definitely very tempting.”
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