Saturday, November 19, 2005

Thank you Keano




The impossible has finally happened,the name Roy Keane will no longer appear on the Manchester United team sheets,ever.The man who had first set foot on the hallowed turf at the Theatre of Dreams way back in 1993(made his debut on August 7,1993 against Arsenal in the Charity Shield),after choosing Man Utd from among a host of other clubs,for a then record fee 3.75 million pounds,has left on November 18th,2005 as a true modern day legend.The hard-tackling,terrier like play in the heart of United's midfield had earned 'Keano',the respect of the Old Trafford faithful almost immediately.The love affair that had started way back then continued season after season,with Keane making his commanding presence felt,in the newly established premiership.The Irishman forged a strong bond with his Manager, the great Sir Alex Ferguson,the two strong willed,determined fighters were destined to lead United during their decade long domination of English football.
In his twelve years at United,Roy Keane accumulated 7 premiership medals,the Champions League in 99 (though he missed the final,due to a suspension),an intercontinental cup and 4 F.A. cups but to fans like me Keano was never about simply winning trophies or making money.The desire to win and the hard work thus required was in built in Roy.The crunching tackles,running around all over the park,rallying on his team mates was all vintage Roy Keane.Keane was an automatic choice for the captaincy when the French maestro,Eric Cantona left the club at the start of the 97/98 season.The Irish international brought almost immediate success to Man U,when he led the Red Devils to their historic treble,back in 99. Keane's disciplinary records were always a problem,his fiery temper would earn him the wrath of numerous players and referees all over the continent.I still savour his onfield duels with Patrick Vierra.
Roy Keane delivered arguably his best performance ever,in the Champions League semi-final(2nd leg) at the Del Allppi,as United played magical football to come from behind and beat Juventus.Keano scored a brilliant headed goal and also enthused great drive and determination among his mates,but the United captain picked up a second yellow card and didn't take part in that enchanting final at the Nou Camp.Though he wasn't on the field,Keane's typical agression and never say die spirit was instilled in his team mates as United clinched the Championship in the dying minutes - the European Cup came home,after 26 years,Fergie had emulated the great Sir Matt Busby.


I was absolutely gutted when a friend informed me about Keane's decision,to leave the club,on Friday.For such a high profile player like Keane it was a little too sudden,more so because he had already announced that he didn't want to stay on at United after the end of this season.The press release said that the transfer was cancelled under "mutual consent" which makes things more suspicious.Why would United want to lose their Captain Courageous,in the middle of a tough season?Has Ferguson lost faith in Keane?Or did Ferguson at all have a say in this?Considering the fact that the Glazers,have to start repaying their huge loan,off loading one of the teams expensive and most well known name,now would suit them perfectly,wouldn't it?Besides they had already hastily promised a big injection of fund,during the january tranfer window,to pacify the Old Trafford faithful,didn't they?And this would suit them perfectly,right?Besides it's always rather risky to have a straight talking,proud man like Keane as your captain...but anyone who thinks the MU TV interview was reason enough for Keane to severe all ties with the club he so dearly loved,is i think far from the truth.Man Utd and Sir Alex has dealt with,the outbursts of Roy Keane for more than a decade,and a damning(it was very much needed)interview can never be reason enough for Keane's departure!!But the person he is,Roy Keane will surely tell all,within a few days,so then we'll learn more about the biggest shock-departure in football in recent history.But Roy Keane will always find a place in every Manchester United fan's heart,"keano" chants will still be heard every now and then from the stands...an era has ended,a legend has left but i sincerely hope that United will move forward and achieve greater glories.
THANK YOU KEANO.

7 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

You have said everything that one could have said.

5:59 PM  
Blogger bilu said...

Yes, you said it all. Keane was for us, the idol to emulate;the idol for everyone to emulate. His spirit transcended the boundaries of club, country and sport. Roy Keane was a legend in the beautiful game. So he will remain, long after you and I have gone.

9:05 AM  
Blogger sand.man said...

"I'd never put Keane in the real hard-man bracket. He's more of the roll-up-your sleeves leader every team wishes they had. He doesn't care who you are or what you've done in the game or in the last five minutes. If you're not pulling your weight he'll bawl you out in front of 50,000 fans" - Ian Wright, former Arsenal and England striker, 1999.

8:36 PM  
Blogger Subhrajyoti Mukhopadhyay said...

roy keane .
bhaloi khelto bodhoi

7:14 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

euphoric dreamz : mr. smart pants, u don't know a thing about football. how dare you insult keano!

8:49 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

when did i insult keano ?
and y do u think i donno anything abt football ,
i may not be the best of football players, but I do play football once in a while .
*YES I DO*

6:02 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

7:15 AM  

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