Roy Keane has fired a cheeky dig at former adversaries Newcastle United amid reports linking the Magpies with Cristiano Ronaldo. The five-time Ballon d'or winner is now a free agent after leaving Manchester United by mutual consent following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
Ronaldo had fallen out of favour under new Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag, and the 37-year-old was reportedly keen on a summer exit after the club missed out on Champions League football. The former Juventus and Real Madrid star went on to air his grievances against the club in the unsanctioned interview, which led to Manchester United agreeing to a mutual termination of his contract.
Newcastle have been linked as a potential destination for Ronaldo, despite Eddie Howe previously dismissing the prospect. The Magpies have so far recruited smartly under their wealthy new owners, with the likes of Sven Botman, Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak all brought in with a long-term plan in mind.
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Keane has regularly aimed barbs at Newcastle since his retirement, having famously lost his temper following a confrontation with Alan Shearer at St James' Park which led to a straight red card. The former Republic of Ireland international could not resist the opportunity to aim a new dig against the club in the aftermath of Portugal's thrilling World Cup win over Ghana on Thursday.
Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 3-2 victory, but was on the sidelines as goalkeeper Diogo Costa almost gifted the Black Stars an injury-time equaliser. The Porto shot-stopper dropped the ball to the floor, unaware that Inaki Williams was stood behind him.
The forward slipped as he attempted to nick the ball off Costa, and Portugal managed to clear and hold on to the win. Replays showed Ronaldo's disbelief at the moment of madness, and Keane compared this reaction to how the legendary forward would view a move to the Magpies.
Keane told ITV Sport: "He [Costa] was very lucky. We saw the best and worst of Portugal tonight. Look at Ronaldo's face, my goodness. Honestly, he's just had a call Newcastle are in for him."
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