From potato picker to goal kicker in Roy’s own words
The outspoken Manchester United and former Ireland captain has also revealed that on his first day at Old Trafford, he ordered a taxi to drive to the grounds and followed it in his car, so he would know the way and not be late, arriving an hour early as a
result. As captain of the club, he would later lambast new signing Mark Bosnich for turning up an hour late on his first day.
Keane’s journey from unemployed potato picker in Cork to multi-millionaire player on the world stage is related in his autobiography, Keane, out today.
The book, ghost-written by Eamon Dunphy, has attracted controversy because of preview chapters containing Keane’s scathing attacks on Jack Charlton, fellow Irish players and Ireland’s World Cup 2002 preparations under Mick McCarthy. Keane has also earned criticism for admitting a vicious tackle on Manchester City player Alfie Haaland last year was premeditated.
But the autobiography, dedicated to Keane’s wife Theresa, leaves some of the strongest criticism for the two British Premier League clubs he has played for.
He says the culture of complaining by players at Forest made him vow never to be a “whinger” and Manchester United’s disappointing last season showed they are “gone soft” and are “yesterday’s heroes”.
He accuses the club of resting on old glories and says they lack the hunger that brought them success, adding: “I’m hungrier than I’ve ever been.”
Keane, 31, tells how his small stature, which as a schoolboy player meant he was often overlooked, made him assertive on the field.
He says his motto in life is: “Don’t compromise on the things you believe in.”
