Celtic has been the home to many legends over the years. Not too long ago, several Premier League icons moved up north in the latter stages of their career to play for one of the two Glasgow giants. That theme has changed in recent years as other destinations have become more popular due to a variety of reasons.
One of the players who did join Celtic in the twilight of his career is Roy Keane. The Republic of Ireland legend did not have a fairytale exit from Manchester United.
Celtic was viewed as the perfect place for him to end his career though. The club that he grew up supporting.
Keane’s stay at the club was not long by any stretch of the imagination. His Parkhead career began in January 2006 but he would retire six months later. And it looks like the Manchester United icon regrets even making the move in the first place.
Manchester United legend admits regret at joining Celtic
As reported by Football Scotland, Keane said while talking on Stick to Football:
"“I was 34 when I finished. But I should have retired when I left United. I even lost a bit of the love for the game after that.”"
He further continued about the matter:
"“I rang Gordon Strachan about what do I do. I had gone up there and kind of embarrassed myself, I wasn’t really doing the business. I’d said I am finished but losing sleep before I rang him, as soon as I put the phone down I had closure on my career. I had no hesitation, I wouldn’t say relief, but something lifted off me.”"
Keane might have been at Celtic for a very short time but that was enough for him to win a couple of trophies in Scotland. Yes, he might not have been at his best while playing for the Hoops but that does not mean that he did not show glimpses of his quality.
Perhaps most importantly, Keane got a chance to play for the club that he grew up supporting. In our opinion, the Manchester United legend is being a bit too tough on himself with this one.
After retiring from the game, Keane made his way into management. He had spells at Sunderland and Ipswich Town but has not led a team in over a decade. He has had quite a few coaching roles since then. But he has found success and a resurgence in popularity as a pundit in recent years.