Republic of Ireland senior team manager Stephen Kenny teared up tonight as he spoke about the "privilege" of carrying out his dream job over the last three years.
The Tallaght man was speaking to RTE Sport after the team drew 1-1 with New Zealand as part of the EURO qualifiers. Ireland had already failed to qualify for the tournament taking place in Germany next year before heading into the match.
The 52-year-old's future as manager is up in the air as he awaits a decision from the FAI on whether he will continue with the Republic of Ireland. Doubt surrounds whether he'll continue on with the squad due to his lackluster record with the team with only 11 wins out of 40 games.
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He said: "Listen, that's the way it is. I've no complaints about that. I've spoken to the players about that. It may well be my last match. That's been well documented, and if it is, so be it because I've had the privilege of managing my country. It's a huge privilege to see this group grow."
"No, nothing could ever [top managing Ireland]. I think the Irish supporters have been incredible home and away. Full stadiums at home, big crowds travelling away. Because it's such a rebuild we've had our setbacks and I know that. It's been amazing to know every one of those players in the dressing room. They're an incredible group of people."
Kenny began to tear up as he spoke about the potential of the young squad. He also said that he, along with the team, always wanted to qualify for the EUROs.
He continued: "I've been privileged to get to know and be part of their journey and their international career. Potentially now, coming into a new season, it's a really good squad now. A lot of great players not there tonight. Ninety per cent of the players now their careers are on an upward trajectory, they're only going to get better.
"Sport is ruthless and in international management, people get impatient. I understand that, because you want to qualify for tournaments. I wanted to qualify. We all want to qualify. I've had amazing support from all the staff, it's been an amazing journey. First with the under 21 team and the last three years with the senior team. It's been a great privilege."
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