Robbie Keane has officially announced his retirement from professional football.
The Republic of Ireland's record goalscorer was announced as an assistant coach to new national team manager Mick McCarthy on Sunday.
The 38-year-old last played for Indian side ATK in April, where he had his first experience in management in an interim role.
"From Crumlin United around the world to the likes of Milan, London and Los Angeles, I could never have imagined the path my football life would take," he said in a statement.
"It has exceeded all the hopes I had as a football-mad boy growing up in Dublin.
"Leaving home at 15 years of age to pursue my professional career in England seems a lifetime ago now. I was a street footballer full of hope armed with huge ambitions and a determination to succeed. All I needed was that one chance."
Congratulations on a fantastic playing career Robbie Keane! 👏
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) November 28, 2018
Thanks for the memories! 👍#COYS pic.twitter.com/UZQwA3o92S
He thanked his 11 professional clubs and had a special word for Irish fans too.
"Playing and captaining my country has been the highlight of my career," he said.
"I enjoyed every moment of the most incredible journey with the Ireland team over an 18-year period and as I have said many times before, words cannot express how proud I am to be Irish. I hope I have made the fans proud wearing the green jersey and armband.
"It was always an honour to play for my country. Representing my country in the 2002 FIFA World Cup and two UEFA European Championships Finals are particular memories I will cherish forever.
"I would also like to acknowledge the fans. It was always important for me to have a good connection with the fans of the teams I have played with – and their full support was vital to me, on both good and bad days, and was always greatly appreciated."
🏅598 appearances
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) November 28, 2018
⚽️126 Premier League goals
🇮🇪68 International goals
Robbie Keane has announced his playing retirement from football after being named by Mick McCarthy as his assistant coach with the Republic of Ireland national side.https://t.co/xWtt8Yfeng pic.twitter.com/0XApcZObjn
He added: "I take great pride in having scored 325 goals in 737 club appearances and 68 goals in 146 international appearances for the Republic of Ireland. But for me, it was about making my family proud and the friendships that this wonderful game has given me. It is difficult to summarise a 23-year career but I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to do something I love every day.
"With the closing of one chapter comes an exciting new adventure. I am incredibly proud, honoured and excited to now be working alongside Mick McCarthy, Terry Connor and the Irish international team over the next number of years. This is a role I have massive passion, energy and enthusiasm for and I hope to use my experiences to contribute towards a bright future in Irish football.
"To all those who believed in me, supported me and picked me up when I needed a hand, you can never know how much that has all meant. It was an honour to represent you.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart."