Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane represented Celtic before hanging up his boots as a professional footballer, but he will not be taking part in Saturday’s legends match with all proceeds going to the Manchester United Foundation.
Many hoped Keane would feature in today’s legends match between Manchester United and Celtic at Old Trafford, but the Irishman will not be taking to the pitch like some of his former teammates.
The former club captain did make a surprise appearance for United in one charity match against Liverpool, but that was understood to be a one-off.
Keane, a legend at United, made a whopping 475 appearances for the club before making the switch to Celtic following a fallen out with Sir Alex Ferguson.
However, the midfielder will not be playing after admitting a couple of years ago that his fitness levels are not at the required level to return to the pitch. In other words, he’s too proud.
In an interview with Off The Ball, Keane previously explained: “I’m not fit. I’m far from it.
“My fitness levels are actually very, very embarrassing. Just because I’ve not put on loads of weight doesn’t mean to say I’m fit.
“I wouldn’t really be able to do any running. Put it this way, I’ve been invited a number of times over the last few years to play legends games or whatever you want to call it.
“I’d find it really difficult because I wouldn’t be able to get around. Too many injury problems.
“I try to have a decent diet obviously and I’m wary of putting on too much weight, but I certainly wouldn’t be fit enough to go on any sort of run.”
It’s a shame because I’m sure many of the fans attending Old Trafford this afternoon would love to see Keano up close once again. And there will be younger fans in attendance who never had the opportunity to see the Irishman in action, on the pitch.
Instead of playing in the charity match, Keane will be part of the ITV Football panel covering Ireland vs England.
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