Manchester United icon Roy Keane had once vowed to steer clear of 'legends' matches post-retirement due to fitness concerns. However, he made a U-turn and laced up his boots once more to reignite his competitive fire in 2022.
During his illustrious career, Keane was the epitome of an all-action midfielder, never shying away from a robust challenge for both club and country. But the physical demands of his playing days seemed to have left a mark, with Keane admitting that his fitness levels were not up to par for a full 11-a-side game.
Nevertheless, he donned the United shirt again to take on his former foes at Liverpool. While there were no red cards or uncomfortably high tackles, spectators at Anfield and those on the pitch were chuffed to see him back on the pitch.
This was an unlikely prospect, considering his previous comments about taking part in 'Legends' matches or charity games like 'Socceraid'. Speaking to Off The Ball in August 2022, Keane said: "I'm not fit.
"I'm far from fit. 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."
Despite these reservations, just a month later, Keane surprised fans by giving into his competitive drive and joining a squad of United Legends to face off against Liverpool's past greats in the Legends of the North charity match. Liverpool secured an aggregate victory that day, with goals from Mark Gonzalez and Florent Sinama-Pongolle.
However, it was Keane's late appearance from the bench that stole the show. Keane was persuaded to return to the pitch by former United colleague Denis Irwin.
Despite being booed by Liverpool fans throughout, he made his entrance with less than 15 minutes left on the clock. When Ronny Johnsen tried to hand him the captain's armband, Keane refused, pushing his teammate away.
Several members of that Liverpool Legends team were back in action against Chelsea Legends on Saturday, two years after their previous Anfield clash. Among them were goalkeepers Jerzy Dudek and Sander Westerveld, both of whom played against the Blues.
Champions League winner Dudek started the match two decades after Liverpool's iconic victory in Istanbul. However, his game was cut short due to injury, with former Dutch international Westerveld stepping in.
English (United States) ·