Manchester United legend Roy Keane revealed that one major football tournament coincided with a life-changing moment for him and changed the trajectory of his future.
Roy Keane is widely regarded as one of the best captains in Premier League history after his illustrious playing spell at Old Trafford under Sir Alex Ferguson.
The 52-year-old Irishman ascended to the Manchester United captaincy in 1997 after fellow club legend Eric Cantona bowed out of football.
Keane excelled in his leadership role and coupled his exemplary captaincy with his commanding displays as an impressive box-to-box midfielder.
The Irish hardman’s legendary run as captain of United included leading the Red Devils to their iconic treble win in the famous 1998-99 season.
Keane lifted seven Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy and four FA Cups before his relationship with former manager Sir Alex Ferguson fractured.
Keane shares life-changing moment
Roy Keane saw out the remainder of his career with Scottish side Celtic after Sir Alex Ferguson axed him from Manchester United in 2005.
The former United captain, who retired from football in 2006, went into both management and coaching after he called it time on his remarkable playing career.
Keane has since become a key punditry figure for Sky Sports during the Premier League season, as well as serving as a pundit for ITV during Euro 2024 this summer.
In the Stick to Football show, the panel were asked which edition of the World Cup was their favourite and United legend Gary Neville picked out the 1982 tournament.
Keane agreed with former United teammate Gary Neville and revealed that the 1982 World Cup was a turning point for him as a young kid.
The Sky Sports pundit claimed that he told his pals he would be giving up smoking as part of his desire to become a professional footballer.
“100 per cent agree. ‘82 World Cup, amazing,” Keane said on The Overlap.
“I remember we used to play football after the games in the evening. In 1982, I would have been 11.
“I was with my friends and we were playing football and we’d have the odd cigarette when we were about 11.
“I was playing and they went, ‘Are you having this?’ And I remember going, ‘I’m giving them up. I’m giving them up. I want to be a footballer. I’m giving them up, lads.’”
Keane on lifestyle change
Keane, who was known for his drinking behaviour as a player, admitted that he started to change his lifestyle and diet the older he became.
“I was trying to live and act like an Italian or a French player,” he said.
“It was when the lads were coming out of the dressing room, they were doing stretches and eating salads all the time. I was thinking, ‘Yeah, maybe I’ll try some of that.’
“Because I was just eating bread and potatoes and pastas; still having a half-decent diet. I forgot what I was about. I am Irish. I like a bit of rubbish. That is what suited me.”
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