Roy Keane retired from professional football on Monday June 12, 2006, after receiving medical advice on a long standing hip problem.

He is commonly held as one of the finest central midfielders to have played the game.

He was captain of the Republic of Ireland football team for a number of years, representing his country in the 1994 World Cup and playing a major role in their qualification for the 2002 World Cup before he was sent home after an argument with the team's manager, Mick McCarthy.

He was also captain for much of his time at Manchester United, winning the FA Premier League seven times and the FA Cup four times, and played a major role in helping the team win the UEFA Champions League in 1999.

During his time at United, Keane was widely regarded as one of the finest midfield players of his generation, known for his inspirational leadership, excellent tackling and distribution abilities. Manager Alex Ferguson regards him as his best player ever during his 20 year reign at Manchester United.  Keane has captained United to 9 major honours making him Manchester United's most successsful skipper. Additionally, ex-player and BBC pundit Alan Hansen is of the opinion that Keane is the best player to have played in the Premier League since its inception in 1992. Although Keane attracted praise as a player, he also had disciplinary problems, notably being suspended twice for the same foul on Alf Inge Haaland after admitting that the foul was deliberate in his autobiography.

He is not related to fellow Irish footballer Robbie Keane.

Soccer