Surely this move isn’t on.
Robbie Keane was the subject of much transfer tattle last month as clubs including Preston North End, Sunderland and even Shamrock Rovers were linked with a move for the veteran striker.
Keane has been without a club since November, when he parted ways with LA Galaxy at the end of the MLS season, and he clearly feels he has more to offer as he didn’t announce any plans to retire.
And while he didn’t move in January, Keane is busy keeping his fitness levels up to scratch at a completely unexpected club.
Pictures of the former Republic of Ireland captain training with Dubai-based side, Al-Ahli, emerged on Monday morning and surprised more than a handful of supporters.
النجم الايرلندي روبي كين يشارك في تدريبات الفرسان صباح اليوم pic.twitter.com/0S9P4z2yxM
— نادي شباب الأهلي (@Shabab_AlAhliFC) February 6, 2017
The reigning UAE Arabian Gulf League champions would be an unlikely destination for Keane, who turns 37 this summer, but stranger things have most definitely happened in football.
Keane has represented 10 clubs throughout a storied career in which he’s scored 126 Premier League goals.
“It’s looking likely that it’s going to be the UK. It’s a decision I will make by the end of next week,” Keane said recently about his potential next destination.
“I had a little injury there for a while so I just have to get back fit and healthy, start scoring some goals.”
