“They were great days.”
Roy Keane was live on ITV discussing the upcoming Argentina and Mexico World Cup game, but still took a moment to pay tribute to his old club back in Cork.
The former Manchester United star was a part of the panel alongside Gary Neville and Joe Cole, and the conversation turned to Diego Maradona and his performances at the 1986 World Cup.
This led them to looking at pictures of the three pundits back in the ’80s, and the photo used for Keane was him playing for his old team Cobh Ramblers.
Roy Keane in action for Cobh Ramblers pic.twitter.com/A6vaDLa9h2
— Irish Football Pics (@irish_pics) February 23, 2020
A nostalgic Keane was quick to pay tribute to his former side, and how they were so important for his development.
“Brilliant (he said when the photo came up) – I had one year with Cobh Ramblers in the League of Ireland, it was a great education for me.
“They are 100 years old this year, so well done to them, they really helped me in my career, and I’m very grateful to them for that.
Roy Keane – Cobh Ramblers pic.twitter.com/2kOyHB17wQ
— One Norman Whiteside (@WhitesideOne) June 19, 2018
“They were great days, I’ve always said I’ve been very lucky in my career, and going to Cobh for a year was brilliant for my development.”
Only Roy Keane could take a conversation about Maradona – and his unbelievable performances in 1986 – and turn it into an opportunity to pay homage to his old club.
Keane made 23 appearances for the Cork side, scored one goal, and impressed scouts from Nottingham Forest well enough for them to take a chance on him.
Roy Keane at Cobh Ramblers 1989
Photo taken on a potato pic.twitter.com/hEYbBbvxup
— Irish Football Pics (@irish_pics) November 14, 2022
Managed then by the great Brian Clough, the Irish midfielder starred for the struggling side, before making the big move to Manchester United.
Of course, the rest is history, as he went on to captain the club to unprecedented success, including an incredible treble-winning season in 1999.
Related links:
- Roy Keane shoots down ITV presenter’s excuses for England’s draw with USA
- Roy Keane cracked up Ian Wright and Gary Neville with England team spirit remark
- Just a bit of PR; Roy Keane and Ian Wright have their final say on OneLove armband U-turn
