Robbie Keane sidestepped questions about the politics of joining a club in Israel and said he was focusing on rising to a new challenge in his unveiling as Maccabi Tel Aviv's new manager on Tuesday.
It's Keane's first job as a manager, having been part of backroom teams at Middlesbrough and, most recently, Leeds United. He was also behind the scenes during Mick McCarthy's second stint in charge of the Republic of Ireland.
Sinn Féin TD Chris Andrews today called Maccabi an "apartheid club" and suggested Keane should have turned down the job due to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"I don't want to get into politics," the 42-year-old replied when asked about criticism that has come in Ireland around his decision to take on the role.
"This is the last time I will say it. I’m here as a football man and someone that loves the game. I will certainly just focus on that but thanks for your question."
Ireland's record caps holder and goalscorer played in Italy, the USA and India in an eclectic and highly successful career. He was keen to stress his openness to new experiences.
"I'm not frightened of a challenge," he said. "A lot of players that have played in England, they are frightened to try a different opportunity or a different culture but I’m certainly not. I am excited by this.
"I strive for pressure. I've been used it to since I was younger. It doesn’t affect me. I’m a very secure person. I know what I need to do and I’m confident in myself and the team that will be around me. I look forward to it."
When asked about his football philosophy and overall vision, the Dubliner said: "I'm a winner, I want to win all the time. I want people around me that have the same mentality as me. I want them to play in a certain way and all pulling in the same direction.
"Everywhere I've been in my career, I've always gone for the reason to win and it's no different here.
"I want to play attractive football, something the fans can be very proud of, something that they want to come and watch. We want to dominate the ball as much as possible, but by being clever in the final third and making things happen a little quicker than usual rather than playing football for the sake of it."
Maccabi Tel Aviv are Israel's most successful club but they have not won a league title in three years.
"Everyone is always going to have an opinion, that’s football, that’s why we love it," Keane added when reflecting on the expectations he'll face.
"I’ve been in the game for a long time, at a high level for a long time, I’m used to criticism. Does it bother me? No. All I can do is the best I can do for the football club. It might take a little bit of time but I’m here to hit the ground running from day one."
