Johnny Sexton was an emotional figure in Paris as Ireland were knocked out of the World Cup by New Zealand on Saturday night.
The two sides played the undoubted game of the tournament in front of a packed Stade de France crowd.
New Zealand ran out 28-24 winners with the match going all the way to the final play of the game with Andy Farrell's side running some 37 phases before the All Blacks eventually turned the ball over and won a penalty.
And the loss spells the end of Sexton's illustrious career after making his debut back in 2009.
Joined by his son on the pitch at full-time, Sexton was an emotional figure as he consoled his teammates following the loss.
And speaking after the game he said: "I'm very proud of the boys and the nation and the country and we couldn't do anymore really. We got over the line there towards the end and it's just fine margins.
"We felt they sort of sucker punched us on a few tries and we had to work really hard for our scores and that is what champions do. They're a great time. We knew it was going to be a massive challenge, and we fell short, unfortunately."
Asked what it was like to lead his country into battle for so many years, Sexton said: "It's been amazing, these last six weeks have been a dream with this group and these fans and I'm just gutted we couldn't do it for them.
"You got to work hard for a fairytale ending we didn't get it and that's just life. We didn't leave a stone unturned and ticked every box. We trained the house down.
After a slow enough start, I thought we played really well. A few decisions, bounce of a ball, and we were one inch away from scoring a try. But fair play to the All Blacks they are a very good team and very well coached and fair play to them."
Sexton retires as Ireland's record point scorer and their most decorated player after a stunning career.
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