GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI WANTED to talk Damien Duff’s wife in an effort to change the player’s retirement plans.
The Fulham winger bowed out of the international scene in the wake of Ireland’s Euro 2012 campaign last year.
But the Boys in Green boss wanted to consult with Mrs Duff in a bid to change the Ballyboden man’s plans, duff revealed yesterday.
“[He] wanted to speak to my wife, Elaine. I think he thought she was making me retire. I don’t know where he got that from. It was all my own decision but he was all like: ‘Oh no, Damien, let me speak to your wife.’
“I thought that would be embarrassing and I didn’t let him but he nearly got me [to change my mind].”
Duff also told RTE radio that he turned down the chance to receive his 100th cap in front of a sold-out Wembley before the England-Ireland draw recently. His former Craven Cottage boss Roy Hodgson rang to enquire if he’d take part in a presentation ceremony on the pitch with England’s century capper Ashley Cole.
But he replied: “‘Gaffer, I just can’t do it. I think you know me by now.’ I actually did want to do it for him because I love him to bits… but for once in my life I have to look after number one.”
He did ultimately receive the cap when he bumped into John Delaney in a ‘scruffy pub’ in Heathrow and the Association produced it from a bag.
Duff was speaking as charity ambassador for Heart Children Ireland, a voluntary support group for those affected by congenital heart disorders (CHD), has announced Damien. The former Chelsea man is father to a young son, Woody, with a congenital heart disorder, pictured.
