David Beckham has drawn comparison between Roy Keane's sudden exit from Manchester United earlier this month and his own shock departure to Real Madrid in 2003.
The England captain revealed, to The Times, that he has not spoken to United boss Sir Alex Ferguson since he left, but insists his exit came about so quickly there was no time to properly say goodbye to anyone at the club.
He said: “I remember saying after I left that I would love to say goodbye and thank the manager and at least get a handshake.”
Keane's exit was equally abrupt, again in spite of the player having been at United for more than a decade.
Beckham paid tribute to Keane and asked that fans remember the Irish midfielder for his playing attributes and not the manner of his departure.
He said: “Mine came as more of a surprise to me than anyone else. Roy Keane's was a shock too, but I hope he is remembered for the 12 years and the trophies and not his departure. It was an honour to be in the same side.”
