Roy Keane, a name synonymous with Manchester United‘s glory days, once vowed never to participate in a legends’ match alongside his former Red Devils teammates.
However, the fiery Irishman eventually changed his tune, proving that his competitive spirit is still very much alive. Keane was known for his relentless energy and fearless tackling during his playing days, both at club level and on international duty. But it seems the physical demands of his career may have left their mark, with Keane admitting post-retirement that he no longer felt up to the rigors of 11-a-side football.
“I’m not fit. I’m far from fit,” Keane confessed to Off The Ball in August 2022. “My fitness levels are actually very, very embarrassing. Just because I’ve not put on loads of weight doesn’t mean to say I’m fit.
“I wouldn’t really be able to do any running. Put it this way, I’ve been invited a number of times over the last few years to play legends games or whatever you want to call it.
“I’d find it really difficult because I wouldn’t be able to get around. Too many injury problems. I try to have a decent diet obviously and I’m wary of putting on too much weight, but I certainly wouldn’t be fit enough to go on any sort of run.”, reports the Mirror.
Yet, just a month later, Keane was back on the pitch. He joined a squad of United Legends to face off against Liverpool’s past heroes in a charity match dubbed Legends of the North.
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Liverpool secured an aggregate victory that day, with goals from Mark Gonzalez and Florent Sinama-Pongolle. However, it was Keane’s late appearance off the bench that stole the show.
Keane was persuaded to return to the pitch by former United colleague Denis Irwin. Despite being the perennial pantomime villain, his name was booed by Liverpool supporters throughout.
He finally made his entrance with less than 15 minutes left on the clock. Ronny Johnsen tried to hand over the captain’s armband to the number 16, but Keane refused, pushing his teammate away.
Some of those Liverpool Legends were back in action against Chelsea Legends on Saturday, more than two years after their previous Anfield clash. Among them were goalkeepers Jerzy Dudek and Sander Westerveld, both of whom played against the Blues.
Champions League winner Dudek started the match, marking 20 years since Liverpool’s iconic victory in Istanbul. His game was cut short due to injury, however, with former Dutch international Westerveld stepping in.
