Roy Keane to Hang Up His Boots?

The Last Success?
By Chris O'Brien
March 16 2004

Rumours suggest that Manchester United skipper Roy Keane could sensationally draw the curtain on his magnificent career at the end of the season. The 33-year-old has suffered from niggling injuries throughout the season, and is being rested by Sir Alex Ferguson for many of United's 'lesser' matches.

Manchester United skipper Roy Keane could retire at the end of the season according to newspaper reports.

The influential skipper has had his season dogged with niggling injuries, and is now being rested by Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson for a number of Premiership matches.

With the former Irish internationals career for his country seemingly dead since his well-publicised row with former Ireland boss Mick McCarthy and the form of the midfielder coming under scrutiny from some supporters, Keane could be set to draw the curtain on his memorable career at the end of the season.

All the talk at present is only word-of-mouth and newspaper speculation, but Keane has said on a number of occasions that if he ever feels he is not having the same impact on the team he plays for and he feels his form is dipping, he would quit the game. However he has also repeated numerous times that he would like to spend a season at the club he supports, Glasgow Celtic, before he hangs up his boots.

Which ever way you look at it, the rumours that Keane could retire are believable. It's very worrying because he has been the backbone of the Manchester United side for many years, and personally I would see him as a major loss. His drive and passion have been one of the main factors behind the amount of silverware coming the way of Old Trafford in recent years, and his leadership skills are invaluable.