Stephen Kelly has released a strongly worded statement to defend himself against the “untrue and unwarranted comments made by Giovanni Trapattoni”.
The Reading right back was responding to comments made by the Ireland manager at a press conference yesterday morning. Trapattoni was asked if Kelly would be called into future Ireland squads, as he had been left out of the squad for the Poland game ostensibly as a fitness issue. Trapattoni told reporters: "You know what happened in the situation with Kelly? 'I play or I go home'. Paul Green was called up at the last moment because of injury, and he came immediately, with enthusiasm."
"That is the Irish players. They must be happy to come for their country, for their shirt. In their club if they didn't play, they would not say 'I no play, I go home'. They wouldn't do that in their club. Only here.”
Kelly, who has been capped 32 times for Ireland, today released a statement which would seem to spell the end of his career with Ireland as long as the Italian remains in charge.
“It is extremely disappointing for me to have to make this statement. I am simply shocked and disgusted with the untrue and unwarranted comments made by Giovanni Trapattoni.
“These hurtful and untrue comments have caused distress and upset to myself and my family who have supported me throughout my career and know the level of commitment and passion I have always shown in representing my country.
“I have proudly represented Ireland from the age of sixteen, and I have never shown anything other than 100% commitment to my country and my team.
“I cannot and will not tolerate attempts to defame my commitment and loyalty to Ireland.
“Representing Ireland at senior international level has given me some of my proudest moments in my professional career, and for me captaining my country will always be my greatest achievement.
“It saddens me greatly that I should have to defend my good character and reputation in a profession I love, however, I refuse to allow anyone to question my passion for representing Ireland.
“I will continue as always to proudly be available for my country.”
The full back is believed to have grown frustrated by his lack of opportunities in the Ireland squad but has, until now, made no public statement on the issue. Kelly first encountered controversy around his position in the Ireland squad last year when he threatened to not travel to the Faroe Islands who threatened not to travel to the Faroe Islands following a row with Marco Tardelli. It was reported that Giovanni Trapattoni and other members of the backroom staff convinced Kelly to travel with the team.
