Finn Azaz is not walking away from international football. After reports that he might retire from the Republic of Ireland squad, the Southampton forward told BBC Radio Solent that he will carry on playing for the country he has represented 16 times since his debut in 2024.
The 26-year-old was born in England and plays for Ireland through his father, but he also qualified for Israel through his mother. That background made the last international window an awkward one for him.
A difficult window
Azaz was an unused substitute when the Republic met Israel in two recent Nations League games, matches that were caught up in controversy. The Irish players faced calls to withdraw because of the Israel-Gaza war, and a campaign called Stop The Game, organised by the pressure group Irish Sport for Palestine, staged protests before and during the Republic's game against Austria in Dublin, ahead of the second match against Israel.
The Football Association of Ireland decided to fulfil the fixtures, which had already been moved to neutral venues. Ireland won the first 3-0 in Debrecen and drew the second 1-1. Ireland wore black armbands, the players bowed their heads during Israel's anthem, and the two teams did not shake hands. Afterwards, manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said it had been tough on Azaz mentally. "It is probably the most difficult situation for him of all of us," he said, adding that Azaz deserved credit for staying in the squad and showing desire to be part of the team.
Flying for Southampton
On the pitch for his club, Azaz has been one of Southampton's most important players. Since arriving from Middlesbrough last summer he has scored 14 goals and made 15 assists in 60 appearances, and he has started this campaign impressively.
He is also demanding more from the group as they push for promotion back to the Premier League. "It's been a good start by the team but we're not there yet," he told Radio Solent. He said there is still space to reach another level, that the team had been pretty consistent but it was never going to be the same as the end of last season straight away, and that the mindset has to be to keep getting better.
What it means
The immediate effect is simple. Hallgrimsson keeps a creative player who has been in strong form, and Southampton have a forward who is thinking about the next level rather than being content with a good start.
Player context: Finn Azaz, 26, Southampton forward. 16 caps for the Republic of Ireland since his 2024 debut. Signed from Middlesbrough last summer; 14 goals and 15 assists in 60 appearances for Southampton. Source: BBC Sport, BBC Radio Solent.
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