Roy Keane has revealed the only person he would have asked for a photograph, despite the Manchester United legend having the chance to fulfil his request.
The former Manchester United captain has been known for his approach both on the pitch and off it, with Roy Keane possessing a formidable aurora around him.
The Irishman previously revealed he only asked for one shirt swap in his entire career and Keane later admitted he regretted his decision after he was turned down.
Keane has kept his straight-to-the-point persona during his punditry career, although the Sky Sports pundit has shown another side to him when he is not on camera.
The 52-year-old ex-United midfielder was asked by fellow legend Gary Neville if he ever asked for an autograph, with Keane shooting down any suggestion that he had.
However, the Irishman admitted that he would have been keen for a photo opportunity with one individual and Keane had the chance to make it happen.
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Keane’s one and only photo he wanted
Speaking to Gary Neville, Roy Keane recalled the time that Manchester United’s players were invited to London after they won the BBC Sports Team of the Year Award.
Boxing legend Muhammad Ali, who passed away in 2016, was in attendance at the event and Keane said that would have been the “ideal situation” for a photo request.
Despite admitting his desire for a photo with the ‘Greatest,’ Keane didn’t seize the opportunity and admitted he was happy that he didn’t due to Ali’s health at the time.
Speaking on The Overlap in 2021, Keane said: “Do you remember we went to London for the BBC?
“We got Sports Team of the Year. Did you get a photograph with Muhammad Ali? Do you remember Muhammed Ali was there?
“That would have been the ideal situation if I was gonna go for anybody, listen. But if you remember the show finished, all the lads went over.
“I remember going, ‘Leave him alone.’ And I’m glad I did. He was an old man. He was not well. But that’s the one I would have got a photograph.”
Keane admired boxing legend Ali
Keane, who is regarded as one of the best midfielders of all time, has previously shared his feelings on boxing and has been in awe at Ali’s brilliance in the sport.
The Irish hardman watched the 2001 biopic Ali, starring Will Smith, and said it was “very moving” to see the scene where Ali’s family surrounded him and told him not to take the draft.
“Ali resists them all,” Keane said, as per the Irish Examiner in 2018.
“I’m doing what I think is right. It matters. You don’t compromise on your principles.
“Watching this is very moving. Something in this scene strikes a chord with me.
“Don’t put up with s**t. I’m not fighting a white man’s fight. It’s an inspiring notion, a demonstration of conviction that I understand very clearly, and relate to in my own life.
“Don’t compromise on the things you believe in.”
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