Latest update December 17th, 2024 12:00 AM
Goodbye Danns!
…Neil Danns bids emotional goodbye to International football
By Rawle Toney
Kaieteur Sports – Neil Danns, widely regarded as one of the greatest players to ever represent the Golden Jaguars, bid farewell to international football in a heartfelt Facebook post on Friday.
Expressing a mix of emotions, including gratitude, nostalgia, and a touch of sadness, Danns recounted his journey with Guyana’s Senior Men’s National Football Team since his debut in 2015 against Grenada.
Danns considers described his journey in International football as extraordinary, adding “It is an honor to share this moment with all of you, my friends, family, teammates, coaches, and supporters who have been there for me every step of the way.”
Reflecting on his time representing his country on the football pitch, Danns spoke of overwhelming pride and a sense of accomplishment. He considered it a dream come true and a cherished privilege to wear the national jersey, recognizing that it was an opportunity to inspire, unite, and make a difference.
Iconic! Neil Danns celebrates scoring Guyana’s first goal at the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
In his debut match against Grenada, Guyana emerged victorious with a 2-0 score, as Danns, the former Leicester City midfielder, played a crucial role in setting up both goals scored by Pernell Schultz at the Guyana National Stadium.
Closing this chapter of his life, Danns expressed deep satisfaction and pride in the milestones achieved, the celebrated victories, and the remarkable impact made on the sport.
Notably, he played a pivotal role in Guyana’s qualification for the Gold Cup in 2019, scoring in the crucial match against Belize that secured the team’s historic spot in CONCACAF’s prestigious tournament.
During the Gold Cup, Danns netted all three goals for the Golden Jaguars, including a brace against Panama and the solitary goal in their 1-1 draw against Trinidad and Tobago.
Beyond the goals and accolades, Danns cherished the unforgettable moments that accompanied his international career—the roar of the crowd, the unity of the team, and the shared sense of purpose.
THE GOAL! Neil Danns, caught by Chronicle Sport’s Samuel Maughn just as he was about to unleash his ‘beauty’ in the 54th minute to give Guyana a 1 – 0 advantage over Trinidad and Tobago.
He considered it a true honor to score the first-ever Gold Cup goal for Guyana, which stood out as a pinnacle achievement in his footballing journey.
While Danns scored 11 goals in 23 appearances for Guyana and was hailed as a hero on many occasions, he emphasized camaraderie and shared experiences with his teammates as the most cherished aspect.
Danns expressed gratitude to his teammates for the battles fought together, both on and off the field, and for the bonds forged throughout their journey.
He acknowledged the contributions of Coach Jamaal Shabazz, scout Faizal Kahn, former Golden Jaguars captain Christopher Nurse, late team manager Mark Xavier, and current Captain Sam Cox, giving them special mentions.
Danns expressed eternal gratitude to the Guyanese nation, recognizing their unwavering support, cheers, and chants that fueled his passion and inspired him to give his all on the field. He acknowledged their presence and unwavering dedication, which made every game an unforgettable experience for him.
While ending his international career with Guyana, Danns made it clear that his love for the game remains unchanged. Football has taught him invaluable lessons about discipline, resilience, teamwork, and the power of a dream.
As he ventures into the next phase of his life, he carries these lessons with him, ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities.
Danns highlighted his coaching qualifications, including currently holding a UEFA A Licenses Coach certification, with plans to pursue the UEFA Pro License, which is tailored for the Premier League and national teams.
He mentioned his coaching experience at Liverpool and his aspiration to further develop in that field.
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