Family first now for ‘Zinedine’ as Kilbane hangs up his boots

Former Republic of Ireland international Kevin Kilbane has revealed a desire to be spend more time with his family played a part in his decision to call time on his playing career.

The 35-year-old, who won 110 caps for Ireland, retired on Saturday after 12 appearances for Coventry.

“It was an easy decision in the end,’’ Kilbane said. “I knew coming into the January transfer window there could have been options for me to move on and go elsewhere but I just decided that realistically for me the thing was to get as close as I can to my family and my two daughters, to be nearer to them and enjoy watching them grow up. The decision was made for me really.

“In the last 10 years since my children have come along I’ve been on the road a lot and missed a lot of their lives. It got to a stage where I wasn’t really enjoying my football as much as I should have done. I wasn’t really applying myself in the manner in which I did throughout my career. Deep down, I know the time is right.’’

Kilbane made 614 club appearances over his career for Preston, West Brom. Sunderland, Everton, Wigan, Hull, Huddersfield, Derby and Coventry.

Remarkably, Kilbane made 66 consecutive competitive international appearances for Ireland, playing every qualifier and tournament game between 1999 and 2011.

While he was not the most naturally talented player to represent Ireland, Kilbane’s wholehearted, committed performances won him many admirers, with fans affectionately nicknaming him Zinedine Kilbane, after legendary France midfielder Zinedine Zidane.

“The ultimate highlight of my career was definitely playing in the World Cup in 2002, being part of that really good squad we had,’’ Kilbane said of his international career.

Referring to his immediate future, Kilbane said: “I’m going to take a little time away from the game. I’m going to do a bit of media work.

“We will just see what happens. In the new year, I’ll look and my options and see where I’m going to go from there.”

Kilbane’s former international team-mate Shay Given was one of a host of players to pay tribute to Kilbane. “Best wishes to Kevin Kilbane on his retirement from football today. Was great to play alongside him & a truly great guy,’’ Given wrote on his Twitter page.

Coventry boss Mark Robins, under whom Kilbane only played twice following his September appointment, praised the veteran’s attitude. “He’s been a great professional throughout his career,” he said. I wish him all the best.”