Damien Duff: I want to play in the Airtricity League

Ireland wide man states his desire to play domestic football in Ireland and vows to continue playing the international game until he 'drops'

Fulham winger Damien Duff has stated that playing in the Airtricity League is among his goals as a professional footballer.



Speaking to the Irish Sun, the 33-year-old said that he would continue playing football as long as was physically possible and that playing domestic football in Ireland was an ambition.



“Listen I’m going to play until I drop," said Republic of Ireland international.



He continued: “I don’t think I’m really interested in anything else. Fulham, Ireland, if I end up in the Airtricity League, the Leinster Senior League.



“I’m going to do all that. You may laugh but that’s the plan, it’s on my list. I’m just going to play until I drop so I have to look after myself to do that."



In the aftermath of Ireland's Euro 2012 elimination, Duff was among the players who were expected to hang up their boots and retire from international football, but the Dubliner has dismissed the speculation, stating that he feels fit and healthy.



“I never brought it up that I was thinking about retirement. I’ve spoken to Giovanni [Trapattoni] and Marco [Tardelli] and at the moment I’m still available.



“There’s speculation just because of my age, I’m 33 years old, but I feel as good as ever, I feel 23."



Despite declaring his intentions to continue playing for Ireland, Duff admitted that the manner of elimination was bitterly disappointing.



“It all stemmed from the first game against Croatia, that was our cup final," he said.



He added: “If we got a draw or win, we could have kicked on from that. That was obviously a massive downer and didn’t help the rest of the tournament.



“It was a major tournament, it was a big thing for the country and for the players so it was a major disappointment not to win any games.”



Duff also praised the fans, who recently won an award from Uefa, for their behaviour in the face of defeat.



“The fans were incredible," he said. "Getting beaten 4-0 and the fans were just singing... it would have been nice to get something to cheer about on the football pitch, but they stuck with us, which is important.



"We will be forever grateful for that,” concluded the winger.