The Republic of Ireland veteran also spoke about the abuse he's suffered throughout his career
James McClean has paid tribute to "close-knit" and "hard headed" people of Creggan where he grew up for giving him the "resilience" to succeed as an international footballer.
Read more: The making of James McClean as proud Derry man prepares for 100th Republic of Ireland cap "Creggan is my home," he said. "I've always said this - you're a product of your environment. If it wasn't for everything that I learned growing up in Creggan then I probably wouldn't be where I am today. The Creggan people, you know, have a very close-knit community and I think they take as much pride seeing me accomplish what I've accomplished as well as I do.
Reflecting on the sectarian abuse he has been subjected to throughout his career, he praised the resilience given to him by his upbringing: "You're a product of your environment and the people of Creggan are strong, strong minded people. Join our new WhatsApp community today Click this link or scan the QR code to receive breaking news and top stories from Belfast Live. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
"I've said quite openly in the past that it seems to be when you're a white Irishman it's not exactly high up on the list. It's brushed under the carpet, it's ignored, and whether that's down to ignorance or lack of education it is what it is. I'm not going to lose much sleep over it, I'm quite content where I am in my life, I'm quite happy."
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
BioWare assures Star Wars: The Old Republic isn't shutting down, despite new developerBioware has reassured fans that Star Wars MMO The Old Republic isn't heading into maintenance mode, despite the shift t…
Read more »
Further education lecturers won't receive £3,000 one-off paymentThe ucu says 'immeasurable' damage has been done after more than 1,700 lecturers in further education colleges in Northern Ireland are told they will not receive a £3,000 one-off payment they were expecting this month
Read more »
Brexit: Parcels sent from Britain to Ireland drop by 68%The fall in parcel post since Brexit has been exacerbated by EU tax rules for external countries.
Read more »
Brexit: Parcels sent from Britain to Ireland drop by 68%The fall in parcel post since Brexit has been exacerbated by EU tax rules for external countries.
Read more »
Whale song clue to humpback route off Ireland and ScotlandThe whales have been heard singing while swimming off Ireland and Scotland from breeding to feeding grounds.
Read more »
James Cameron compares submarine tragedy to ‘Titanic disaster itself’James Cameron, who directed 'Titanic', has said he's ‘struck by the similarity of the Titanic disaster' and the 'catastrophic implosion' of the OceanGate submarine. He said just like the Titanic captain the CEO was 'repeatedly warned' about the dangers.
Read more »