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[Source: Setanta Sports 05 April 2008, by Oli Skehan]
For many years Roy Keane was a name synonymous with Manchester United and the glory associated with the club. Despite the fact the Corkman was treated like a God at Old Trafford, his departure still leaves a bad taste in his mouth.
Keane feels that he was let down and betrayed by those at Manchester United who believed his services were no longer required, and even though he is now successfully managing Sunderland, his days in the famous colours of Manchester United are somewhat overshadowed by the treatment he received in the latter stages of his time at the club.
"The day I left United, in hindsight, I should have stopped playing really," Keane told the Irish Times. "I lost the love of the game that Friday morning. I thought football is cruel, life is cruel. It takes two to tango also. I am fully responsible for my own actions but some things are wrong.
"I left on a Friday and they told me certain things before I left that day. I was told the following week I couldn't sign for another club. I had been led to believe I could. There were certain things I was told at certain meetings that were basic lies.
"That was part of the exit plans, I am convinced. Especially with my pride, I wasn't going to accept that. They had a statement prepared and they were thanking me for 11 and a half years of service.
"I had to remind the manager [Manchester United chief executive] David Gill I had been there 12 and a half years. I think that might have been part of the plan.
"Then the financial stuff was mentioned. I was thinking, my God. I am happy to leave. I won't go down that road. A week later they announced £70 or £80 million profit after telling me I hadn't played for six weeks and so they weren't prepared to do this and that. I told David Gill I had broken my foot playing for Manchester United against Liverpool. Pretty sad.
"I look back and thing I should have said this and I should have said that. It is like Mick McCarthy at the World Cup. I always think when he said if you don't have respect for me you can't play for me, I should have said to him what I felt. I am not playing for you I am playing for Ireland. It is easy to be wise afterwards."
Roy Keane, arguably our greatest captain and most fiercely loyal player for more than 12 years, come clean on his true feelings upon his departure. If true, it is very very sad indeed.
What do you think?
For many years Roy Keane was a name synonymous with Manchester United and the glory associated with the club. Despite the fact the Corkman was treated like a God at Old Trafford, his departure still leaves a bad taste in his mouth.
Keane feels that he was let down and betrayed by those at Manchester United who believed his services were no longer required, and even though he is now successfully managing Sunderland, his days in the famous colours of Manchester United are somewhat overshadowed by the treatment he received in the latter stages of his time at the club.
"The day I left United, in hindsight, I should have stopped playing really," Keane told the Irish Times. "I lost the love of the game that Friday morning. I thought football is cruel, life is cruel. It takes two to tango also. I am fully responsible for my own actions but some things are wrong.
"I left on a Friday and they told me certain things before I left that day. I was told the following week I couldn't sign for another club. I had been led to believe I could. There were certain things I was told at certain meetings that were basic lies.
"That was part of the exit plans, I am convinced. Especially with my pride, I wasn't going to accept that. They had a statement prepared and they were thanking me for 11 and a half years of service.
"I had to remind the manager [Manchester United chief executive] David Gill I had been there 12 and a half years. I think that might have been part of the plan.
"Then the financial stuff was mentioned. I was thinking, my God. I am happy to leave. I won't go down that road. A week later they announced £70 or £80 million profit after telling me I hadn't played for six weeks and so they weren't prepared to do this and that. I told David Gill I had broken my foot playing for Manchester United against Liverpool. Pretty sad.
"I look back and thing I should have said this and I should have said that. It is like Mick McCarthy at the World Cup. I always think when he said if you don't have respect for me you can't play for me, I should have said to him what I felt. I am not playing for you I am playing for Ireland. It is easy to be wise afterwards."
Roy Keane, arguably our greatest captain and most fiercely loyal player for more than 12 years, come clean on his true feelings upon his departure. If true, it is very very sad indeed.
What do you think?
