“I didn’t expect Martin to leave.”
Republic of Ireland forward Jon Walters has spoken out on Martin O’Neill’s departure from the Ireland set-up, announced earlier on Wednesday.
Walters played a vital role in the Ireland squad under Martin O’Neill, bagging two goals in the second leg off the Euro 2016 play-off against Bosnia & Herzegovina.
In a statement, published on his social media, Walters wrote: “I didn’t expect Martin to leave as manager. Although we’ve had a very difficult year in terms of results, I’ll balance that with the amount of players that have just started their international career.
I would’ve been very confident in qualifying under Martin and still am with the group of players we have. On a personal note I have the upmost respect for Martin as he is and always has been fantastic for me.”
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The FAI announced earlier on Wednesday that it had parted ways with O’Neill and his assistant Roy Keane by mutual agreement.