Finn Azaz vows to keep playing for Republic of Ireland

Southampton forward Finn Azaz says he will carry on playing for the Republic of Ireland, despite reports that he may retire from international football. He told BBC Radio Solent that he intends to keep going.

Azaz is 26 and was born in England. He qualifies for Ireland through his father, and he is also eligible for Israel through his mother. He made his Ireland debut in 2024 and has 16 appearances for the national team since then.

The uncertainty grew around Ireland's two Nations League matches against Israel. The Nations League is a competition between European national teams, and both games were moved to neutral venues, grounds that belong to neither side. Azaz was an unused substitute in both. The Football Association of Ireland chose to fulfil the fixtures anyway. Ireland won the first match 3-0 and drew the second 1-1.

Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said the period had been tough on Azaz mentally. He said it was probably the most difficult situation for the player of all of them. Hallgrimsson had also spoken earlier in the autumn about how much he admired Azaz, and about the effort the player had made to be part of the squad.

Azaz's club form has been strong too. Since joining Southampton from Middlesbrough in the summer of 2025, he has scored 14 goals and provided 15 assists, the final pass that leads to a goal, in 60 appearances.

For now, the answer from Azaz himself is simple. He is staying in the green shirt.