Roy Keane - Roy, thanks for the memories

LOVE him or hate him, Roy Keane is one of the greatest players ever to grace the game of soccer — a towering figure on the Irish, British and world stage.

From Cork city’s Rockmount to the captaincy of Manchester United, he was driven by passion and a will to win that earned him respect at the highest level of the game. Off the pitch, he gave his time generously and discreetly to many causes.

Sadly, the 2002 World Cup row with Irish manager Mick McCarthy effectively put an end to Keane’s international career.

Having opted out internationally last October, he now retires from Celtic on medical advice.

Rated among Ireland’s wealthiest people, Keane is widely expected to enter the shark-infested waters of management.

Whatever path he takes, the majority of people at home and abroad will thank him for the memories and wish Roy Keane well in his new life.