Damien Duff gradually letting go of the game

Ask Damien Duff how retirement is suiting him and he grimaces and allows that “it’s wearing a bit thin now...” 

Just how thin, he proceeds to illustrate with a brace of tales which are at once funny and poignant but also hugely expressive of the Duffer’s unflagging love for football.

“A couple of weeks ago I went down to Loughlinstown to a five-a-side pitch one morning,” he relates. “I was at a loose end and just rented out a pitch on my own. I felt weird going up asking for a pitch for one please. I had a kickabout on my own, just kicking a ball against a wall, practising with my right foot. I don’t know what I’m practising for but it’s just the love of the game...”