Ahead of his final international game on Wednesday, Robbie Keane has said that none of the many jerseys he has worn have fitted him better than the green of Ireland.
The 36-year-old striker will call time on his 18-year Republic of Ireland career against Oman at the Aviva Stadium, hoping to add to his tally of 67 goals on his 146th senior appearance for his country.
He says he will do so with no regrets and having never lost the joy he felt the day he won his first cap.
The LA Galaxy frontman, who has also played for Wolves, Coventry, Inter Milan, Leeds, Tottenham, Liverpool, Celtic, West Ham and Aston Villa, said: "I have played for many, many teams, I have put many, many jerseys on, but the Irish one always seems to fit me the best.
Robbie Keane: Irish jersey means more than any club https://t.co/7fOHfszLxchttps://t.co/k1Qctl2iab
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"For me, it was always a comfort blanket, coming back with the national team. It's been my second home.
"I've had a lot of emotions in terms of my career - when my father died, which was very, very tough for me, about three days later I was on a plane going to play a game; when my son was born, two hours later, I left the hospital in LA to come back and play for Ireland.
"I think that suggests to you that Ireland always (had) a very, very special place in my heart and it will continue to be that for a long, long time."
Keane was handed his international debut as a 17-year-old by Mick McCarthy against the Czech Republic in March 1998, and scored his first goals later the same year against Malta.
No other player has represented Ireland as many times or scored as many goals as the Tallaght-born striker, who made it to the 2002 World Cup, Euro 2012 and Euro 2016.
Keane admitted that lining out in green for the final time Wednesday night will be an emotional occasion.
"I've had a wonderful career with the Irish team, so many great memories," he said.
"I've dreaded this day for a long time. I think it's the right time for me but I certainly have mixed emotions about it.
"To the fans and everyone who's been supportive of me over the 18 years... it's been an incredible journey and something I'll never forget.
"I'll continue to support the Irish team in a different capacity now, on the sidelines watching them.
"Wednesday night is going to be very emotional for me and my family."
And his seven-year-old son Robert's disappointment at Ireland's exit in the last 16 in France this summer reminded him of his own burgeoning love for the game.
Keane said: "For everybody in the Euros when you lose a game, it's very hard, but to see my son Robert in the crowd after, seven years of age and crying his eyes out was a moment for me.
"I was exactly like that when I was a kid and it shows his true love for Ireland. That's exactly what I have and to go out and say thank you to the fans on Wednesday will be a special moment for me and something that I'll never forget.
"That 17-year-old kid growing up in Tallaght is still the same lad and still has that appreciation of putting that Ireland jersey on, and that's something that will never go away from me."
Keane will bow out having endured his fair share of criticism, but he is philosophical about the opinions of his detractors.
He said: "That's football. You are going to get criticised sometimes, but all I did was want to do my best for the country, and I think I have done that.
"I have got no regrets whatsoever, but the outpouring of messages I have received from people, it's been incredible to be honest with you, and 67 goals in 145 caps - I think I did okay."
Keane announced his impending international retirement last week, but also signalled his intention to continue his club career - though the possibility of a return to the Ireland fold one day in a coaching capacity is an intriguing one.
He said: "I'm just a lad who loves playing football, so I'll continue to do that for as many years as possible.
"If you're asking me down the road would I like to be involved, of course. But certainly not for the time being.
"It's important for me now to focus on my club career for a couple more years and, after that, we'll see what happens.
"I feel physically that I can play for another few years but this is certainly the right time for international duty to finish."
Live commentary of Republic Ireland v Oman on 2fm Game On on Wednesday with live blog on RTE.ie
