Roy Keane retired because persistent injuries left him “embarrassed” about picking up his wages.
The Manchester United legend called time on his iconic footballing journey in 2006 while he was playing for Scottish giants Celtic. He had only joined the club six months previously after his stormy departure from Old Trafford.
The seven-time Premier League winner was only 34-years-old when he chose to hang his boots up north of the border. However, the legendary midfielder cited the embarrassment he felt after repetitive hamstring and hip injuries was the main factor motivating his decision, reports The Daily Star.
READ MORE: Roy Keane helped British tennis player Dan Evans through extreme heat in Australia
“I wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea obviously and there were a few fallouts along the way, but physically I knew,” Keane said to the Tommy Tiernan Show when asked about when he knew it was time to retire. “Like my last season, I tore my hamstring three times because I knew I wasn’t running properly.
“My fitness wasn’t right and you’re taking painkillers before training. I went up to Celtic and I was quite embarrassed that I was picking up wages. That’s why I said ‘no I can’t do it, I’m too embarrassed’.
Keane only made 10 appearances for the Bhoys, contributing one goal and one assist in that time. His playing career ended with a Champions League medal, seven Premier Leagues, four FA Cups, and the League Cup, as well as a Scottish Championship and the Scottish League Cup.
However, the former Ireland captain also stated that he has never missed playing in the beautiful game. “Believe it or not, when I stopped playing, I never missed it. I never missed playing, it’s really bizarre.
“It was everything I stood for. The game. I’m going back to my days at Rockmount, my year at Cobh Ramblers, my three years at Nottingham Forest, United [was] 12 and a half years, and I did a few months at Celtic.
“That’s what I stood for and then I was like ‘no it’s over now, you’re all right’. I’ve never really missed it, which is very, very pleasing because a lot of players cannot let it go.”
READ NEXT:
Legendary Dutch player Clarence Seedorf's nephew on trial with League of Ireland club
Everyone says the same thing about Roy Keane after BBC sex noises prank
Nothing's changed, insists Ross Byrne, as he keeps his focus off Six Nations selection for Ireland
Yan Bingtao and Zhao Xintong among 10 players charged in snooker match-fixing probe
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
