Former Republic of Ireland captain Roy Keane has admitted in his autobiography that he almost quit Manchester United in the wake of their 4-3 defeat to Newcastle last season but carried on for manager Alex Ferguson. Keane was sent off during that match for a clash with the Magpies' Alan Shearer and revealed in his book which is being serialised in the News of the World that he made the decision in bed that night.
"I went to bed but never slept a wink. Some time during the night I decided `give it up Roy'. You've turned 30 - get out, get away, do something else. You've got to stop hurting yourself, hurting those you love," he admitted.
"I talked to my wife. She argued I would miss it. I said I wouldn't. Anything would be better than this madness, getting angry and frustrated, lashing out. I felt I'd lost the argument that some players were in the comfort zone. Too many people were content with what they had. It wasn't for me. I should go. Next morning I was waiting for Sir Alex Ferguson at the training ground at 8am. I told him I wanted to pack it in. He said it was a knee-jerk reaction," continued Keane.
The Corkman continued to mull things over. "On Sunday I walked Triggs a long way, running the options through my head. Another club, somewhere sunny. At least I could be miserable in a warm climate. I love my football, really loved it - but could I play for another club? My heart was in Manchester United. And if I couldn't play with my heart I couldn't play. My mind was settled. I felt calm - a big weight off my shoulders," he added.
Ferguson visited Keane's house and spoke to his captain and Keane's wife Theresa about the future. "He sat down and said `you've been taking too much on board regarding results and bad performances - you'd be mad to leave football. If you walk away now while you're young you'll regret it for the rest of your life'. Theresa backed him up. I thought about it and talked it through with her. I decided to play against Lille. He had stood by me - quitting would be a slap in the face for him - the last thing he needed when the club was struggling. I carried on for him. I've got another four years in me - I'm sure of that now."
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
