Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane showed the ultimate sign of respect to a Juventus and Italy legend who wore his Red Devils shirt.
Roy Keane is widely regarded as one of the best captains and midfielders in Premier League history after his impact at Manchester United.
The 53-year-old Irishman arrived at Old Trafford from Nottingham Forest in 1993 and Keane became a pivotal midfield figure under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Keane was elevated to the United captaincy after Eric Cantona’s sudden retirement in 1997 and was widely hailed for his leadership skills on and off the pitch.
The United legend played a huge part in the Red Devils’ success during the 1990s and early 2000s, including captaining the club to a famous treble win in 1999.
During his time at Old Trafford, the Irish hardman lifted seven Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy and four FA Cups with the Red Devils.
Keane’s famous spell at United came to a sudden end in 2005 after his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson fractured and the former midfielder was axed by the club.
Keane watches Juventus legend wear his shirt
During The Overlap on Tour, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Ian Wright crossed paths with Juventus and Italy legend Giorgio Chiellini.
Giorgio Chiellini, who retired from football in 2023, left the dinner table during the sitdown chat before returning with a “surprise” for The Overlap members.
The 40-year-old Italian came back into the room wearing a United shirt with Keane’s name on it, which he picked up during his appearance on Classic Football Shirts.
“I was at an event of Classic Football Shirts and they asked me: ‘Okay, pick one,’” Chiellini said.
“I looked at the first one. It was not Ronaldo, it was not Messi. I said: ‘Ok, wow, I want Manchester United and Roy Keane.’”
Chiellini pulled out a marker and asked for Keane to sign his shirt before they parted ways, with the United legend later inking his signature on the top.
“Beautiful, it suits you. You look good in it. Should have gone to United,” Keane said.
Man Utd were linked with Chiellini
Giorgio Chiellini attracted the interest of United during his legendary playing career at Juventus, with the Italian enjoying a trophy-laden spell at the Old Lady.
The former Juventus and Italy defender lifted nine Serie A titles, a Serie B trophy and five Coppa Italia titles during his time in Turin.
Chiellini was linked with United when Sir Alex Ferguson was still at Old Trafford, but the ex-Italy international remained at Juventus instead of signing for the Red Devils.
“United is a club and England is a country of great importance to us. We like them a lot,” Davide Lippi, who was Chiellini’s agent, told The Sun newspaper, as per FourFourTwo in 2010.
“With Giorgio, we’ve decided that during the World Cup, we won’t think about the transfer market.
“But after the World Cup, we will think about everything. He is honoured to be of interest to United.”
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