The Galaxy is losing its star.
Over 100 goals scored, Robbie Keane is leaving LA Galaxy, declaring himself ready for “one last major challenge in club football”.
The recently retired Republic of Ireland record goalscorer certainly seemed to enjoy his six years in California and may look for another MLS club.
However, having made the transatlantic leap at the ripe young age of 31, Keane proved he is an adventurous, open-minded type, so you could not rule out a lucrative last hurrah in China, a return to the UK, a switch to Australia, Mexico or even the League of Ireland.
It is that final option that seems to have stuck in the minds of supporters of one Airtricity league club in particular. When Galaxy played a pre-season friendly in his home town of Tallaght last year, Shamrock Rovers fans afforded the returning hero a standing ovation of the rapturous variety.
Many would like to do that on a more regular basis, it seems.
In fairness, his good buddy Damien Duff was on the coaching staff at Tallaght Stadium this season, having wound up his own playing career in the famous green and white hoops. Despite his childhood soft spot for Shelbourne, many Shamrock Rovers fans are hopeful the former Ireland captain could be on his way home.
Robbie Keane announces he is leaving @LAGalaxy hours before @ShamrockRovers announce new signings. Coincidence? #greatestleagueintheworld
— Dan Pope (@danpope) November 18, 2016
https://twitter.com/seankeane93/status/799545760526336000
Robbie Keane to Sligo Rovers, heard it here first
— Dónal (@DonalTheRyan) November 18, 2016
https://twitter.com/justburko/status/799389819898130432
https://twitter.com/Davecon1973/status/799522478028681216
https://twitter.com/erk3991/status/799428665109020672
Robbie Keane to Shamrock Rovers to play for his third boyhood club…surely
— Wayne (@1FCKobe) November 18, 2016
It is not just fans either, it seems the club themselves (or their Twitter account at least) are willing to entertain the idea.
You can still vote by the way. Or let us know, if you think Robbie is planning to wind up his career elsewhere.
Where next for Robbie Keane?
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) November 17, 2016
Aaron Kernan joins Colm Parkinson on The GAA Hour to explain the work he’s doing for the Club Players Association. Derry captain Chrissy McKaigue talks Slaughtneil and a Dublin club advertising for hurlers gets a sore touch. Subscribe here on iTunes.