Roy Keane

Roy Keane joined Manchester United on 19 August 1993 for a British transfer record fee of £3.75 million. At the time, Keane's signing was one of the most high-profile moves in English football. His arrival marked the beginning of a highly successful era for the club under manager Alex Ferguson. Keane was known for his leadership on the pitch, his combative playing style, and his ability to control the midfield. Over his twelve years at United, Keane became a club legend, winning multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League in 1999.

Roy Keane suffered a cruciate ligament injury in September 1999 in a match against Leeds United after an infamous clash with rival Alf-Inge Håland. Håland accused Keane of feigning injury, which intensified their heated rivalry. Keane remembered this incident and sought revenge years later, resulting in a notorious foul on Håland in 2001. This clash with Håland became a significant part of Keane's controversial career, showcasing both his fierce competitive nature and his willingness to push boundaries.

In 2001, Roy Keane released his controversial autobiography 'Keane: The Autobiography,' in which he admitted to deliberately fouling Alf-Inge Håland as payback for previous incidents. This admission led to criticism and disciplinary action, including a £150,000 fine and a five-match ban. The book offered a candid perspective on Keane's uncompromising nature, his views on fellow players, and his tumultuous relationship with the football establishment. The autobiography remains one of the most talked-about sporting books for its raw honesty and revelations.

In May 2002, Roy Keane was sent home from the Republic of Ireland's World Cup camp after a public fallout with manager Mick McCarthy. The dispute arose over training facilities, preparations, and Keane's outspoken criticism of McCarthy's management. This incident occurred just before the start of the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan. The Keane-McCarthy bust-up dominated the headlines and was a significant loss for Ireland, as Keane was their captain and best player at the time. His absence was acutely felt during the tournament.

On November 4, 2005, Roy Keane departed Manchester United by mutual consent after a 12-year career at the club. The departure was abrupt and came after a controversial interview with MUTV where Keane criticized several teammates, sparking tensions within the club. His honesty and directness were both revered and reviled, and this incident symbolized the end of an era at United. Keane was one of the club's most successful captains and a central figure in their dominance in English football during the 1990s and early 2000s.

Roy Keane joined Celtic on December 15, 2005, after leaving Manchester United. At Celtic, Keane enjoyed a brief but successful stint until his retirement in June 2006. During his time at Celtic, he helped the team secure the Scottish Premier League title and the Scottish League Cup. His signing was seen as a major coup for Celtic, providing experience and quality to the midfield. Keane's Celtic career, although short-lived, reinforced his status as a competitive and passionate player right up to the end of his playing days.

Roy Keane retired from professional football on June 12, 2006, after a career that included successful spells at Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, and Celtic. Keane decided to retire due to persistent injury problems that plagued his later career. Known for his tenacity, leadership, and no-nonsense approach, Keane left a legacy as one of the greatest midfielders in the history of British football. His retirement marked the end of an illustrious playing career which saw him win 7 Premier League titles, 4 FA Cups, and a Champions League title.

Roy Keane began his managerial career with Sunderland on August 28, 2006. He took over a team in the Football League Championship and led them to promotion to the Premier League in his first season, an astounding turnaround. Under Keane's management, Sunderland won the Championship title, earning admiration for their resilience and the determination instilled by him. Keane's success at Sunderland established him as a promising manager and set the tone for his subsequent roles in football management.

On December 4, 2008, Roy Keane resigned as manager of Sunderland after a period of mixed results in the Premier League. Having led Sunderland to promotion two years earlier and securing their top-flight status, the club struggled in his final months. Keane cited a lack of support and increasing pressure as reasons for his departure. Despite the disappointing end, Keane is remembered for the initial success he achieved at Sunderland, which displayed his potential as a football manager.

Roy Keane was appointed as assistant manager of the Republic of Ireland on 5 November 2013, working alongside head coach Martin O'Neill. This role was seen as part of Keane's ongoing journey in football management, bringing his experience and competitive nature to the national team setup. The partnership aimed to reinvigorate the team's performance, leveraging Keane's leadership skills and tactical insights. The duo led Ireland through various qualification campaigns, playing a significant role in the team's development during their tenure.