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James McClean Rips Into Declan Rice For Decision To Play For England

James McClean Rips Into Declan Rice For Decision To Play For England - FootyNews.co.uk

Republic of Ireland winger James McClean is not one to shy away from expressing his opinion, however strong, and the 29-year-old latest comments on Declan Rice have once again grabbed the headlines.

Last month, Rice, who made three appearances for ROI, committed his international future to England after informing manager Mick McCarthy that he would be switching his allegiance.

“This has been an extremely difficult decision and, in all honesty, not one I ever expected to be making at this stage of my career.” he said in his official statement.

“So much has happened, so quickly, in the past couple of years, from progressing through the West Ham Academy to making my Premier League debut at the age of 18 in May 2017 and then being named in a full international squad just two days later.”

To read the full interview, check out the below tweet:

Rice’s decision to play for England caused plenty of debate.

In fact his former international teammate McClean has given his own opinion in an interview with Irish news website RTE.

“He said he was a proud Irishman. Then he said he was a proud Englishman. If he’s both, good luck to him but I don’t buy it.” he said.

“I think you’re either one or the other. I was with Derry City when I got the call-up to play for the North and I turned it down because it’s not my country, it’s never been my country. I’m an Irishman.

“It’s not just Declan, it’s anyone else. If you’re not proud to be here and we’re a stepping stone then sod off and play for someone else. I’m an Irishman. I grew up on the island of Ireland, simple as that.

“We only want players here who want to play for Ireland, who feel Irish and are proud to be Irish.”

Thoughts on McClean’s comments about Declan Rice?

James McClean Rips Into Declan Rice For Decision To Play For England - FootyNews.co.uk

Let us know in the comments below.