Roy Keane once disclosed that he almost retired early due to an incident involving one of the greatest players in England’s history. One of the toughest players in Premier League history, Keane spent his playing career straddling the line between genius and heinousness, frequently getting into problems for his fiery temper.
The Irishman retired in 2006 following a significant argument with Sir Alex Ferguson and a series of ailments that finally caught up with him. The man himself did, however, disclose that he nearly ended his playing career five years prior and that the great United manager had to persuade him otherwise.
Incident With Alan Shearer Nearly Sent Keane Into Retirement
The midfielder claimed he’d ‘had enough’ after the bust-up
Speaking in 2021, Keane recounted how he thought he was done playing at the highest level after an incident involving Alan Shearer, which led him to contemplate retirement. The Red Devils lost the game at St. James’ Park in a thrilling 4-3 contest, but in the last moments, chaos erupted.
Keane sought to swiftly restart the game from a throw-in, but Shearer impeded him in an effort to slow it down. The number nine retaliated by pushing the visiting star after the opposition captain threw the ball at him.
Then the red mist fell over Keane, who turned the tables and punched Shearer in the face. After the full-time whistle, he received a famous instance of the hairdryer treatment, and the caution he was due to receive was upgraded to a red card.
“I shoved him, which is the worst thing if you’re going to be sent out. According to Keane’s account of events, “you might as well punch him properly if you’re going to be sent off because you’re going to get the same punishment.”
“You may just as easily be hanged for a lamb as for a sheep. I was thinking that after the fact. It was merely a shove. It was absurd.
“I was angry and tired of myself. particularly following the game. I was never really attacked by the gaffer. ‘How much more, Roy?’ I deduced from his body language.
“I told him, ‘I’ve had enough,’ and I meant it when I saw him the following day. When I returned that evening, I waited and didn’t get any sleep. When I returned, I chatted with Theresa, Keane’s wife, and she told me, “You’re mad.” I replied, “I know that but.”
How Ferguson Convinced Keane to Continue Playing
A conversation at Keane’s house proved vital
Keane subsequently disclosed that Ferguson would come to his house to talk with him after he missed training in the two days after the match against Shearer, which finally caused his powerful captain to reconsider.
“I never trained the Monday, or the Sunday, and he came round on the Monday in afternoon, and we had a good chat,” the man from Ireland said. “I was certain I wouldn’t miss it when he said, ‘you’ll miss it.’ However, I believe I knew deep down that I would miss going to Old Trafford. I had a great time playing for United and at Old Trafford. Complete halt.”
Keane’s battle with Sheare would last for a little while longer as he would play with the Red Devils until 2005.
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