'Finn wants to be with us now and for Euro 2028': Azaz retirement fears allayed

The fact Ireland’s players were determined to outline their disapproval of Israel’s genocide in Gaza, the manager removed Azaz from the games against Israel

EURO DREAM: Ireland's Finn Azaz ahead of the match against Israel. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne.

Finn Azaz will be continuing his Ireland career, allaying fears the Israel controversy was hurtling him towards international retirement at just 26.

It’s unusual that one of Ireland’s most creative players was spared involvement in both matches against Israel but, as Heimir Hallgrímsson said, Azaz was in a unique position.

Born in England, his father Tim was born in Cork. So too was his grand-uncle Brian Murphy, the famous player of the 1970s who gained national and provincial success in both GAA and hurling.

On his mother’s side, his grandfather was the Israeli sculptor Nehemia Azaz, while his grandmother, Yaffa, served as a senior general in the Israeli Defense Forces.

For those reasons, plus the fact Ireland’s players were determined to outline their disapproval of Israel’s genocide in Gaza, the manager removed Azaz from the equation.

That had been hinted at, as the Southampton player started both other games in the window against Kosovo and Austria.

Moreover, fears that Azaz would walk away proved premature.

He is believed to have offered his perspective to colleagues during the charged debate between players on whether to boycott the matches.

“I haven't asked but there's nothing that points to him quitting, absolutely,” said Hallgrímsson when asked after Sunday’s 1-1 draw against the Israelis in the neutral territory of Backa Topola in northern Serbia.

“Just being here proves that he wants to be with us now and for the Euro 2028 finals. He has shown his quality and his worth on the pitch, I suppose.”

Hallgrímsson took the initiative but admitted the players himself had reservations about participation, when asked by the Irish Examiner.

“We spoke a lot together and it was just tough on him,” he added.

“I could feel that when I spoke to him. It was tough for him that we were wearing black armbands, that we looked down when the national anthem was sung, etc.

“It tested him more than all of us. I just felt it was better to leave him out today, rather than play him.”

Ireland are next in action when they travel to face Austria in Linz on November 14 before concluding the Uefa Nations League series at home to Kosovo three days later.

Their finishing position in the table will determine their seeding for the Euro ’28 draw in Belfast on December 6.