Kevin Foley has vowed never to play for the Republic of Ireland again under Giovanni Trapattoni after saying an emotional farewell to a squad which is still coming to terms with his cruel Euro 2012 exit.
The Wolves defender flew back to England to be with his family after he was axed from the final 23-man party by the veteran Italian coach on Tuesday morning.
The 27-year-old, who has been part of the senior squad for six years, was told by Trapattoni that he was being left out of Ireland's European Championship finals squad just half an hour before the Italian coach handed his final 23 to UEFA.
Axed: Foley was left out of Trap's squad a the eleventh hour
Although an angry and bitter Foley maintained his dignity and composure before leaving the squad's training camp in Tuscany, he has told team-mates he will not be available for Irish duties while the former Italy coach remains manager.
Foley said he felt 'betrayed' by Trapattoni because he was given the impression he had been left out because of doubts over his fitness.
But Trapattoni, who replaced Foley from his original 23-man squad with Hull City's Paul McShane, has insisted he made the choice because of injury doubts over centre-backs Richard Dunne, Sean St Ledger, Darren O'Dea, as well as full-back and centre-half John O'Shea.
Foley's departure has left the remaining players reeling although defender Stephen Kelly says he believes the controversial exit of such a popular player will actually bring them closer together and not destroy their bond over the coming weeks.
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